The Effect of Red Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury and Cyclooxygenase-2 Immunoreactivity

Abstract

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a xenobiotic compound with toxicological action. It is absorbed by gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, and skin. Studies have reported that many countries have used Ganoderma lucidum (GL, Reishi Mushroom) as a medicinal mushroom against liver diseases induced by hepatotoxic agents such as CCl4 for more than thousands of years and is used for many diseases, including cancer since it has been thought that it increases resistance against them and treats them. In the present study, immunohistochemical localization and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by administrating carbon tetrachloride and Ganoderma lucidum in adult rats were examined. In the study, 32 adult Spraque-Dawley male rats that were 8-10 weeks old were used. Rats were divided into 4 groups as control, CCI4, Ganoderma lucidum (GL), and CCI4+GL. As a result of the experimental applications, the liver tissue was found to be normal in the control and GL groups, and multifocal necrosis areas, hepatocellular degeneration, cell infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation, and congestion were observed in the central and portal areas in CCI4 group. In the CCI4+GL group, decreases were observed in lesion severity and density. COX-2 immunoreactivity was detected as more common in hepatocyte cytoplasm in the area from the central vena to the Kiernan space, while it was observed as sporadic in the hepatocyte nucleus. While CCI4 caused a decrease in total antioxidant level (TAS) in blood plasma samples, it caused an increase in total oxidant level (TOS), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. It is seen that Ganoderma lucidum, which has an important place in alternative and folk medicine, reduces oxidative stress with its hepatoprotective effect and inhibits the inflammatory response in the liver.