Substance P blocks ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity

SP was found to prevent hepatocyte death due to ethanol-induced oxidative stress by upregulating Akt/GSK-3β activation in vitro. In vivo, ethanol treatment elevated levels of serum alanine transaminase and also increased the number of apoptotic cell, exhibiting lipid accumulation in liver tissue, effects that were entirely negated by SP treatment. Taken together, our results revealed that SP is able to block hepatic damage due to ethanol-induced oxidative stress and exerts therapeutic effects in liver disease, including ALD. Our findings identify SP treatment as a potential therapy for hepatic damage.