Protective effect of Moutan Cortex extract on acetaminophen-induced cytotoxicity in human Chang liver cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Moutan Cortex on acetaminophen (AAP)-induced toxicity in human Chang liver cells. Cells were incubated with AAP (0-30 mm) to evaluate the drug's ability to reduce cytoviability. For the cells treated with 10, 20 and 30 mm AAP, LDH leakage was 39.8%, 40.0% and 57.6%; respectively. Administration of Moutan Cortex reduced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Glutathione (GSH) concentration in human liver cells decreased significantly after exposure to 20 (p<0.05) and 30 mm (p<0.01) AAP, and increased (p<0.05) if incubated with AAP and Moutan Cortex. The ability of AAP to inhibit mitochondrial function and its counteraction by Moutan Cortex was also evaluated. Moutan Cortex showed dose-dependent increases in MTT metabolism and ATP levels in AAP-treated cells. The DNA content of AAP-treated cells increased with the treatment of Moutan Cortex. These observations demonstrate that Moutan Cortex may significantly attenuate AAP-induced toxicity. It can be considered a cytoprotective agent in this in vitro model of drug toxicity.