Effect of S-adenosylmethionine versus tauroursodeoxycholic acid on bile acid-induced apoptosis and cytolysis in rat hepatocytes.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) increases survival in alcoholic liver cirrhosis and may have a beneficial effect in cholestatic liver disease. SAMe repletes glutathione stores and protects tissue from oxygen free radicals. The effect of SAMe on bile acid-induced apoptosis is unknown. In the present study the possible hepatoprotective effect of SAMe was evaluated and compared with that of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA).

METHODS:

Primary rat hepatocytes treated with glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) were used as a model for cholestasis-induced hepatocellular damage, which served to study the effects of SAMe and TUDCA on bile acid-induced apoptosis and cytolysis.

RESULTS:

SAMe reduced bile acid-induced apoptosis but did not prevent bile acid-induced cytolysis. Compared with SAMe, TUDCA was more efficient in reducing apoptosis due to toxic bile acids. The combination of SAMe and TUDCA had additive effects in reducing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION:

The reduction in bile acid-induced apoptosis by SAMe may represent one of the factors responsible for its beneficial effects in the treatment of liver diseases.

• Authors: C Benz, S Angermüller, P Klöters-Plachky, P Sauer, W Stremmel, A Stiehl
• Journal: European journal of clinical investigation (Eur J Clin Invest) Vol. 28 Issue 7 Pg. 577-83 (Jul 1998) ISSN: 0014-2972 [Print] England
• PMID: 9726039 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bile Acids and Salts
• Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid
• ursodoxicoltaurine
• S-Adenosylmethionine

Topics

• Animals
• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Bile Acids and Salts (pharmacology, physiology)
• Cell Nucleus (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Cells, Cultured
• DNA Fragmentation (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Liver (cytology, drug effects, physiology)
• Male
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• S-Adenosylmethionine (pharmacology)
• Taurochenodeoxycholic Acid (pharmacology)