Zhi-mu saponin inhibits alpha-fetoprotein gene expression in developing rat liver |
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| Authors: | P M Li J L Zhong R Q Chen X K Zhang K L Ho J F Chiu D P Huang |
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| Affiliation: | Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. |
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| Abstract: | 1. A saponin isolated from the Chinese herb zhi-mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge) modifies alpha-fetoprotein production when injected into newborn rats. 2. The serum level of AFP was determined quantitatively by immunorocket electrophoresis. 3. AFP serum levels were reduced to 60% of the control by zhi-mu saponin (ZMS). 4. The lower AFP level in drug treated rat serum is not due to a change in the pattern of serum AFP variants. 5. AFP mRNA levels in ZMS-treated rat livers, measured by RNA dot hybridization, decreased to about 50% of control levels after 4 days treatment. 6. Results from tritium labeled dexamethasone competition assays suggest that ZMS may act on AFP gene expression through glucocorticoid receptor mediated action. |
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