The therapeutic potential of Laggera alata in alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress: insights into the miR-150-5p/TRIM8 axis

Objective: This research was conducted to study the protective effect of Laggera alata (TPLA) on sepsis-induced liver injury (SLI). Methods: The SLI model was established in rats by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and human liver THLE-3 cells were induced by LPS to establish a cellular SLI model. HE staining and TUNEL staining were performed on the liver tissue of SLI rats treated with TPLA. The effects of TPLA on THLE-3 cells were studied using CCK-8, flow cytometry, ELISA, and biochemical analysis. The functional mechanism of TPLA, miR-150-5p, and TRIM8 in SLI was studied. Results: TPLA treatment improved SLI in CLP rats and LPS-induced human liver THLE-3 cell injury was manifested by liver tissue injury recovery and decreased apoptosis of liver cells. At the same time, inflammation and oxidative stress were also alleviated. miR-150-5p level was reduced in SLI rats and cells, while TPLA pretreatment restored miR-150-5p level. miR-150-5p inhibitors could impair the therapeutic effect of TPLA in THLE-3 cell damage. TRIM8 was a direct target of miR-150-5p, and there was a negative regulatory relationship between the miR-150-5p and TRIM8 mRNA levels. Overexpressing TRIM8 also weakened the therapeutic effect of TPLA on THLE-3 cell damage. Conclusion: TPLA reduces TRIM8 expression by upregulating miR-150-5p, thereby reducing inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and thus significantly alleviating SLI.