The Benefit of Melinjo Peel (Gnetum Gnemon) Ethanol Extract to Prevent Hepatocytes from Damage in Hyperuricemia Rat Model - Induced High Fructose

Introduction: Hyperuricemia can induce a dysfunctional exchange of sodium and calcium in mitochondria which will lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS plays a role in aging, DNA damage, oxidation, production of inflammatory cytokines, and cell apoptosis. Uric acid metabolism is catalyzed by xanthine oxidase (XO) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) which can form scar tissue in the liver. Alt1 and Hgf expression plays a role in reflecting hepatic cell from damage and repair. Method: It was a true experimental study with post-test only control group design using stored biological material of 32 samples, divided into four groups, K0: the control group without treatment; P1: intervention group of 86% fructose and 0.5% CMC; P2: intervention group of 86% fructose and allopurinol; P3: intervention group of 86% fructose and ethanol extract of melinjo peel. Alt1 and Hgf expression determination using real-time PCR (rt-PCR) with Livask method 2–ΔCt. Result: Alt1 expression in hyperuricemia model rats after 10 days of treatment with ethanol extract of melinjo peel was lower than the control group (p=0.001), CMC (p=0.001), and allopurinol (p=0.059). Hgf expression tends to have the same cycling threshold in all groups (p=0.065). There was no correlation between Alt1 expression and Hgf after 10 days of treatment (r=-0.08; p=0.661). Conclusion: The ethanol extract of melinjo peel has the potential to be a hepato-protector in the hyperuricemia model rat by reducing Alt1 expression better than the other treatment groups.