Hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms of dehydrocavidine in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis

Aim of the studyThe current study was designed to examine the effects and possible mechanisms of dehydrocavidine (DC) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.Materials and methodsHepatic fibrosis was induced in male rats with CCl4 administration for 12 weeks. Liver histopathological study was performed, and the liver function was examined by determining the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin (TBIL) for evaluating the effect of DC on hepatic fibrosis. The possible mechanisms were investigated by measuring hepatic collagen metabolism and oxidative stress level. Furthermore, oligo microarray analysis of 263 genes was performed, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to verify 4 of the abnormally expressed genes (Bcl2, Cyp3a13, IL18 and Rad50).ResultsDC treatment significantly inhibited the loss of body weight and the increase of liver weight induced by CCl4. DC also improved the liver function of rats as indicated by decreased serum enzymatic activities of ALT, AST, ALP and TBIL. Histopathological results indicated that DC alleviated liver damage and reduced the formation of fibrous septa. Moreover, DC significantly decreased liver hydroxyproline (Hyp) and increased urine Hyp. It also decreased liver malondialdehyde concentration, increased activities of liver superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Microarray analysis revealed that DC altered the expression of genes related to apoptosis, cytokines and other proteins involved in tissue repair.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that DC can protect rats from CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis through reducing oxidative stress, promoting collagenolysis, and regulating fibrosis-related genes.