Hepatoprotective effect of boldine in a bile duct ligated rat model of cholestasis/cirrhosis

Liver fibrosis is a debilitating disease associated with chronic liver injury. Oxidative stress is known as a pivotal mechanism in the initiation and propagation of liver fibrosis. Boldine is a potent antioxidant molecule with several pharmacological effects. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of boldine in bile duct ligated (BDL) rats as a model of cholestasis and cirrhosis. BDL animals received boldine (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day, oral) for 14 days (Cholestatic rats) and 28 days (Cirrhotic rats). The serum biomarkers of liver injury were drastically increased in the BDL group. Moreover, the level of oxidative stress markers was significantly increased in BDL animals. Severe bridging fibrosis, tissue necrosis, and inflammation were also detected in BDL rats. It was found that boldine (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day, oral) restored the BDL-induced depletion of glutathione content and tissue antioxidant capacity. Moreover, histopathological changes and collagen deposition were markedly attenuated by the boldine treatment. The beneficial effects of boldine administration in cholestasis/cirrhosis might be associated with anti-fibrotic properties via antioxidant activities.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (122KB)Download full-size imageSchematic representation of the proposed effect of boldine in preventing liver injury and fibrosis in BDL animals. BDL: Bile duct ligation.