Introduction: Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) is used for induction of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis has no standard treatment. Gallic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound having anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities.
Aim of the work: This work aimed to evaluate the preventive role of GA against CCL4 induced liver fibrosis.
Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into 4 groups; Group I: without treatment .GroupII: received olive oil. Group III: received 1.5 mL/kg of CCL4 twice a week. Group IV: received CCL4 with GA 100mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Liver specimens were processed for light and electron microscopic (EM) study. Area % of collagen and α-SMA expression, levels of AST, ALT, ALP, reduced GSH, MDA, SOD and hydroxyproline were measured and evaluated statistically.
Results: Group III revealed foci of altered hepatocytes with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm. Dilatation and congestion of central and portal veins with mononuclear cell infiltration were observed. There was increased collagen deposition around the central vein. Intense stained α-SMA-positive cells were observed. CCL4 increased collagen and α-SMA expression area %. EM showed electronlucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, vacuolation and margination of nuclear chromatin. CCL4 increased AST, ALT, ALP, hepatic MDA and hydroxyproline levels. Moreover, it decreased the activities of SOD and reduced GSH. The co-administration of GA prevented most of these histological and biochemical changes.
Conclusions: The use of natural antioxidants as GA can be promising in ameliorating liver fibrosis better than the drugs and their side effects.