Promotive Effects of the Dietary Organic Germanium Poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl) germasesquioxane] (Ge-132) on the Secretion and Antioxidative Activity of Bile in Rodents

Abstract

Poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl) germasesquioxane] (Ge-132) is the most common organic germanium compound. This compound has many physiological effects, which are mediated via the modulation of immune-system activation. The intake of dietary Ge-132 causes fecal color changes in humans, and we studied the mechanism of this in a rodent model. Male Wistar rats were given a diet containing 0.05% Ge-132 for two weeks and were compared with rats given a germanium free diet. The color of their feces and cecal contents changed from grayish-green to yellow in rats fed with Ge-132. The concentrations of stercobilin, a major fecal pigment, and total bile acids in cecal contents, were significantly increased by dietary Ge-132. Stercobilin is a metabolite of the bile pigment bilirubin. These results were produced by increases in bile components, such as bilirubin and bile acids, and showed that dietary Ge-132 promotes bile secretion into the intestine. Next, we administered Ge-132 (per os) to male rats at 50 mg/kg body weight per day for four days to reveal its effect on bile (and particularly on bilirubin). Bile juice samples were collected, and their bilirubin content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity were analyzed. The bilirubin level in the bile was significantly increased by the administration of Ge-132, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity of bile was also significantly increased. As the increases in these two factors were correlated, we supposed that the anti-oxidative properties of the bile of rats fed with Ge-132 were due to bilirubin glucuronides. Oral intake of Ge-132 also increased the mRNA expression of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1a1 (Ugt1a1) and bile acid coenzyme A: amino acid N-acyltransferase (Baat), which encode bile component conjugating enzymes for secretion. The acceleration of bile pigment secretion into the intestine as well as increases in the anti-oxidant activity of bilirubin was induced by oral intake of dietary Ge-132. It is suggested that the antioxidative effect of bile against oxidative stress occurs through radical trapping.

Anti-tumor activity evaluation of novel chrysin–organogermanium(IV) complex in MCF-7 cells

“…22 Poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl)germasesquioxane] (Ge-132), which is the most common and well-studied organic germanium compound, has also been reported to posse anticancer effects and enhance immunity. [23][24][25] In the present study, we demonstrated a simple method to synthesize Chry-Ge complex through the reaction between chrysin and triphenylgermanium bromide (Fig. 1A).…”

Organogermanium (Ge-132) Suppresses Activities of Stress Enzymes Responsible for Active Oxygen Species in Monkey Liver Preparation

“…Nowadays, Ge-132 is applied extensively in order to improve various symptoms in medical and veterinary fields as shown in many reports [6] [10] [12]- [18] [20] [21]. Moreover, the positive effects of Ge-132 have been well known according to serious accounts as personal communication through many carcinoma patients and others who take Ge-132 capsules every day.…”

“…Experiments regarding physiological functions of Ge-132 have been carried out using various organisms (microorganisms, plants and animals) and analgesic [12], antitumor [13], antivirus [14], organ protection [15] antirheumatoid [6], anti-cataract [16], immunostimulator [17] antioxidative [18] effects have been documented, along with promoted growth of self-incompatible pollen tubes [19] and "suppression" of osteoporosis [20]. Moreover, the oxidation rate of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was reduced by treatment with Ge-132 [21] while secretion and anti-oxidative activity of bile in rodents were promoted [18]. These positive effects of Ge-132 on physiologically bad condition may encourage seriously ill patients and sickly animal keepers.…”

Advances in Effect of Germanium or Germanium Compounds on Animals—A Review

“…As a result, organogermanium can reduce the lipid peroxidation, protect the cell membrane from injury, and reduce the lipid peroxide level in plas- [53], and reduce the amount of free radicals in liver and kidney of rats [54]. In addition, the in vitro studies have also found that G-132 is able to scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent reactive oxygen species from inducing injury to cells [55] [56]. Appropriate concentration of lactic acid citrate germanium can increase the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in rat hepatocytes [57].…”