Effect of Dai-Saiko-To (Da-Chai-Hu-Tang) on LDL-Receptor Gene Expression in Human Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2)

Akira Iizuka, Fumihiko Yoshie, Sakae Amagaya, Takaaki Yasuda, Maki Iizuka, Haruyo Yamaguchi, Seiji Nagumo, Kazuo Kondo

Clinical Pharmacy Education Center for Integrative Medicine.
Department of Kampo Pharmacological Sciences.
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan.
Department of Medicinal Plant Science, Hoshi University Ebara, Tokyo, Japan.
Institute of Environmental Science for Human Life, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2013.42A058                

Abstract

We previously reported that Dai-saiko-to (Da-Chai-Hu-Tang), a traditional Japanese kampo medicine, increased LDL receptor mRNA expression in the liver of the hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In this study, we focused on LDL receptor gene expression in a human hepatoma cell line (HepG2) treated with Dai-saiko-to extract and the extracts of eight herbs presented in Dai-saiko-to. Dai-saiko-to extract significantly increased LDL receptor gene and SREBP2 gene expression compared with the control. The extracts of four herbs, Bupleurum root, Pinellia tuber, Scutellaria root and Peony root significantly increased the LDL receptor gene expression. Whereas, Jujube, Immature orange, Ginger and Rhubarb extracts did not change the gene expression. These results suggest that Dai-saiko-to increased the expression of the cholesterol transport gene (LDL receptor) regulated by SREBP2 gene in the human hepatoma cell line. The pharmacological activity of Dai-saiko-to against hypercholesterolemia and atheromatous lesions related for these four herbal components.

Keywords

Kampo; Dai-Saiko-To; LDL Receptor; Gene Expression; HepG2

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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