Fig 2: GA altered hepatic expression of bile acid transporters in LCA-induced cholestatic liver damage. (A) Western blot was used to measure the expression of uptake transporters, including NTCP and OATP2A1; (B) protein levels of efflux transporters, including BSEP, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, and OST-β. Data are presented as mean ± SD (n = 5). #p < 0.05 and ##p < 0.01 vs. vehicle group; ∗ p < 0.05 vs. LCA group.

Fig 3: Calcipotriol inhibits ductular reaction and modulates synthesis and transport of BA. (A) Detection of mRNA expression of CK-19 in liver samples with RT-PCR. (B) IHC staining of representative mouse liver samples for CK-19 and image quantification of CK-19 expression. Scale bar: 100 μm. (C) Detection of mRNA expression of CYP7A1, CYP8B1, MRP3, MRP4 and OST-α in liver samples with RT-PCR. (D) Detection of mRNA expression of MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, and OST-α in kidney samples with RT-PCR. All RT-PCR results were normalized against β-actin and expressed as 2-ΔΔCT. All data are presented as mean ± SEM (*P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001; ****P < 0.0001).

Fig 4: PFE interferes with lipid metabolism in mice's liver. (a) The ultrastructural changes of the liver mitochondria by transmission electron microscope, scale bars = 500 μm. Arrows indicate mitochondrial cristae. (b) Western blot analysis of ABCC3, COX6A1, CPT1A, SLC27A5, NDUFB5, and cytochrome C expressions in the liver of mice. The values were expressed as mean ± SD, n = 3. ∗P < 0.05 and ∗∗P < 0.01 compared to the control group.