Abstract
Background: cholestasis is a prevalent health problem associated with liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Quercetin has been shown to afford a beneficial effect in a variety of liver diseases.This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of quercetin on liver cholestasis and the possible underlying mechanisms in a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL).
Methods: This study was carried out on adult male rats which were randomly divided into: Sham-operated, BDL and BDL- quercetin treated (BDL- Q) groups. Quercetin was given by gavage in a dose of 50 mg/kg/day.
Results: Bile duct ligation resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and liver levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α),and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1), along with a significant decrease in serum levels of total proteins (TPs) and liver glutathione peroxidase(GPX) in BDL group versus sham-operated controls. Quercetin treatment significantly lowered serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and MPO, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 in liver tissues associated with a significant increase in serum TPs and liver GPX in BDL-Q group versus BDL rats. Histological studies revealed enhancement of inflammation and a significant increase in the percentage area of collagen deposition in BDL versus sham-operated group. These changes were attenuated in BDL-Q group compared to BDL rats.
Conclusions:
Quercetin alleviated cholestasis induced liver injury and improved liver function possibly via attenuating liver oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis.