(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol, protects against sepsis-induced acute liver injury in rats

Sepsis is a significant public health problem and is one of the leading causes of death in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Liver dysfunction occurs frequently in cases of sepsis. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on polymicrobial sepsis-induced acute liver injury and to explore the underlying mechanism. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method in Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, CLP group, low-dose EGCG group and high-dose EGCG group. The results demonstrated that EGCG significantly improved the survival of septic rats. Administration of EGCG attenuated the CLP-induced acute liver injury, as indicated by the lower serum ALT and AST levels and the fewer histopathologic abnormalities. EGCG could suppress the CLP-induced oxidative stress via upregulation of SOD and GSH levels and downregulation of MDA level. Treatment with EGCG reduced neutrophil infiltration and hepatic inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-1β release. Meanwhile, EGCG intervention decreased the hepatic HMGB1 and MIF expression in sepsis rats. Furthermore, administration of EGCG significantly inhibited the transcriptional activity NF-κB. In conclusion, EGCG treatment could protect the sepsis-induced liver injury and the possible mechanism seems to involve its ability to inhibit oxidative stress, to reduce inflammatory response, and to suppress NF-κB activation.