Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Curcumin on CCl4 - induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt

*Corresponding author:

Naglaa F. Khedr

Department of Biochemistry

Faculty of Pharmacy

Tanta University

Tanta, Postal number: 31527

Egypt

Tel:+20403336007/158

Fax:+20403335466

E-mail: naglaa_khedr2000@yahoo.com

Abstract

Background: Liver fibrogenesis can lead to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin on CCl₄-induced fibrosis in rats and to assess its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Method: Rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 (n=10) was control vehicle, Group 2 (n=10); rats were injected with CCl₄ (1 mL/Kg of 1:1v/v i.p. twice weekly for 12 week). Group 3 (n=10); rats were injected with similar doses of CCl₄ and given oral curcumin (300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks after withdrawal of CCl₄. Group 4 (n=10); rats were injected with similar doses of CCl₄ and given curcumin orally (300 mg/kg) on the 6^th week of CCl₄ treatment simultaneously for 6 weeks. Fibrosis was assessed histologically and by measuring liver hydroxyproline content. α-smooth muscle actin was detected immunohistochemically. Serum markers of liver damage and oxidative stress were quantified. TGF-β1expression in liver was determined by RT-PCR and quantified in plasma. Results: CCl₄ resulted in elevation of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, TGF-β1 and liver hydroxyproline (P<0.05), whereas plasma total protein, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were reduced (P<0.05). The histopathological changes were apparently ameliorated in the curcumin treated rats. Curcumin suppressed liver fibrosis indices and TGF-β1expression in hepatocytes following CCl₄ injections (P<0.001). Curcumin enhanced liver antioxidant enzyme activities (P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of oral curcumin on hepatic fibrogenesis might be considered as its mechanisms to improve hepatic fibrogenesis.

Keywords: Fibrogenesis, CCl_4, Curcumin, TGF-β1, Hydroxyproline.

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