Herpetin Promotes Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Herpetin, an active compound derived from the seeds of Herpetospermum caudigerum Wall., is a traditional Tibetan herbal medicine that is used for the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stimulant effect of herpetin on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to improve acute liver injury (ALI). In vitro results showed that herpetin treatment enhanced expression of the liver-specific proteins alpha-fetoprotein, albumin, and cytokeratin 18; increased cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily a member 4 activity; and increased the glycogen-storage capacity of BMSCs. Mice with ALI induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were treated with a combination of BMSCs by tail-vein injection and herpetin by intraperitoneal injection. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum biochemical index detection showed that the liver function of ALI mice improved after administration of herpetin combined with BMSCs. Western blotting results suggested that the stromal cell-derived factor-1/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 axis and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the liver tissue were activated after treatment with herpetin and BMSCs. Therefore, herpetin is a promising BMSC induction agent, and coadministration of herpetin and BMSCs may affect the treatment of ALI.