hepatic architecture. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are common antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agents
Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids on experimentally induced cirrhosis.
Materials and Methods: 60 animals were divided into three groups: Group I (control): 10 animals, group II: 25 animals treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and Group III : 25 animals treated with CCl4 then with omega-3 concomitant with CCl4 for additional two weeks after induction of cirrhosis. Body weight and liver weight coefficient were measured. Liver samples were taken for histological and immunohistochemical studies.
Results: Omega-3 fatty acids treatment attenuated the CCl4 induced cirrhosis. Histological studies revealed that it decreased the stage of fibrosis, and the grade of the necroinflammatory changes. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that apoptotic changes diminished in cirrhotic livers after treatment with omega-3 fatty acids with a significant decrease in the cleaved caspase-3 index. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the number of macrophages, and hepatic stellate cells activation.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on CCl4 induced liver cirrhosis in mice.