Protective role of Saikosaponin d in d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀)

Abstract Abuse of antibiotics and chemical drugs will lead to environmental contaminants in the aquatic system posing a threat to fish growth and survival. The goal of this study to evaluate the hepatoprotective and immunopotentiation of saikosaponin d (SSd) on the D-GalN/LPS (D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide) induced liver injury of hybrid grouper (E. fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂) in vivo and in vitro. Saikosaponin d was given in vivo in the diet at dosages ranging from 100 to 800 mg/kg for fifty-six days before D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide intoxication. At 24 h post-injection, liver samples were taken for enzyme activity and molecular level analyses. Results showed that SSd at 200 and 400 mg/kg substantially decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels in liver tissue, and markedly immune inflammatory response and down-regulated apoptosis (P