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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 21, 2006; 12(35): 5721-5725
Published online Sep 21, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i35.5721
Inhibition of hepatitis B virus production by Boehmeria nivea root extract in HepG2 2.2.15 cells
Kai-Ling Huang, Yiu-Kay Lai, Chih-Chien Lin, Jia-Ming Chang
Kai-Ling Huang, Chih-Chien Lin, Yiu-Kay Lai, Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30013, China
Yiu-Kay Lai, Department of Bioresources, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan 515, China
Jia-Ming Chang, Division of Research and Development, Development Center for Biotechnology, Xizhi City, Taipei County, Taiwan 221, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by DCB-094EN203 and NSC 93-2311-B-007-002
Correspondence to: Dr. Jia-Ming Chang, Division of Research and Development, Development Center for Biotechnology, Xizhi City, Taipei County, Taiwan 221, China. jiaming@mail.dcb.org.tw
Telephone: +886-2-26956933-5102 Fax: +886-2-66150063
Received: July 5, 2006
Revised: July 10, 2006
Accepted: July 18, 2006
Published online: September 21, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To explore the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effects of Boehmeria nivea (B. nivea) root extract (BNE) by using the HepG2 2.2.15 cell model system.

METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), and HBV DNA were measured by using ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Viral DNA replication and RNA expression were determined by using Southern and Northern blot, respectively.

RESULTS: In HepG2 2.2.15 cells, HBeAg (60%, P < 0.01) and particle-associated HBV DNA (> 99%, P < 0.01) secretion into supernatant were significantly inhibited by BNE at a dose of 100 mg/L, whereas the HBsAg was not inhibited. With different doses of BNE, the reduced HBeAg was correlated with the inhibition of HBV DNA. The anti-HBV effect of BNE was not caused by its cytotoxicity to cells or inhibition of viral DNA replication and RNA expression.

CONCLUSION: BNE could effectively reduce the HBV production and its anti-HBV machinery might differ from the nucleoside analogues.

Keywords: Boehmeria nivea, Medicinal herb, Antiviral agent, Hepatitis B virus, Anti-hepatitis B virus, HepG2 2.2.15