PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF SESAMIN AGAINST LIVER-DAMAGE CAUSED BY ALCOHOL OR CARBON-TETRACHLORIDE IN RODENTS

The effects of sesamin, a potent inhibitor of DELTA5-desaturase in pol yunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, on the fatty acid compositions o f tissue lipids and liver functions were examined in rodents. When a m ixture of sesamin and episesamin (51.1:48.2, w/w) was given to rats at a dietary level of 0.5% for 13 days, the proportions of dihomo-gamma- linolenic acid significantly increased not only in the liver but also in plasma and hemocytes, suggesting an interference with DELTA5-desatu ration by these lignans. The sesamin preparation at the dietary level of 1% improved changes in various blood parameters of the mouse, such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride and total b ilirubin, caused by continuous inhalation of ethanol. In addition, ses amin showed a significant protective effect against the accumulation o f fat droplets and vacuolar degeneration in the mouse liver, as confir med on histological examination. Sesamin, at the level of 100 mg/kg bo dy weight, also tended to prevent liver lipid accumulation by carbon t etrachloride in mice. These results indicate that sesamin and a relate d lignan compound have an ability to improve liver function.