Protective Effects of Ergothioneine against Oxidative Damage in Rats

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250729

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the protective effect of ergothioneine (EGT) against D-galactose(D-gal)-induced oxidative damage in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods An oxidative damage model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-gal solution in rats which were randomly assigned to five experimental groups: the control group, model group, and groups treated with low-, medium- or high-dose of EGT (1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 mg·kg^-1). Histopathological changes were detected with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of protein carbonyl, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) were measured using colorimetric assays. Western blot analysis (WB) was used to determine the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Results Compared to the model group, GSH levels were significantly increased in the liver, kidney, and spleen of rats in the medium-dose group (P<0.05), while SOD activity was markedly enhanced in these tissues in the high-dose group (P<0.01). Protein carbonyl levels in both the kidney (P<0.01) and spleen (P<0.05) were significantly decreased in medium-and high-dose groups. Histopathological findings revealed that oxidative damage to the hepatic, renal, and splenic tissues of rats was significantly ameliorated following EGT intervention. Additionally, the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the liver were significantly upregulated (P<0.05). Conclusion A significant protective effect against D-gal-induced oxidative damage is exerted by EGT in rats, and the potential mechanism may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Key words: Ergothioneine, D-Galactose, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidation, Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway, Rat, Mechanism of Action

CLC Number:

R994.11

LIU Huan, YI Zirong, ZHANG Nan, HU Mengqi, LIU Xiuhong, MA Yuming, ZHENG Haiyun, LIU Yang. Protective Effects of Ergothioneine against Oxidative Damage in Rats[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2026, 23(1): 95-100.

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URL: https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250729

https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2026/V23/I1/95

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