Protective effects of a novel water-soluble biphenyl compound WLP-S-14 against acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats

Abstract

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a water-soluble biphenyl compound, WLP-S-14, in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with porcine serum twice a week for 8 weeks prior to administration of 600 mg/kg D-galactosamine and 50 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide to induce ACLF. Study groups were treated intravenously with saline or with 100 or 200 mg/kg WLP-S-14. WLP-S-14 ameliorated ACLF with significant reductions in the mortality rate and transaminase levels, indicating improved liver function. The mechanism underlying these effects may involve decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, with associated inhibition of apoptotic pathways.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• WLP-S-14
• bicyclol
• biphenyl
• acute-on-chronic liver failure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by grants (No. 81573487) from the China National Natural Sciences Foundation, grants (No. 2018ZX09711001-003-011) from the Drug Innovation Major Project, and grants (No. 2017-12M-1-013) from CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences.