Open AccessAntifibrogenic effect of melatonin in rats with experimental liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride
Author(s) -
Bona Silvia,
Rodrigues Graziella,
Moreira Andrea J,
Di Naso Fábio C,
Dias Alexandre S,
Da Silveira Thêmis R,
Marroni Claudio A,
Marroni Norma P
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
jgh open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 8
ISSN - 2397-9070
DOI - 10.1002/jgh3.12055
Subject(s) - melatonin , carbon tetrachloride , cirrhosis , medicine , oxidative stress , endocrinology , fibrosis , angiogenesis , antioxidant , chemistry , nitric oxide synthase , nitric oxide , inflammation , ccl4 , vascular endothelial growth factor , biochemistry , vegf receptors , organic chemistry
Background and Aim Liver diseases are a major public health problem, accounting for a significant number of hospital visits and admissions and an increasing mortality rate. Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful antioxidant molecule that has been shown to be beneficial under various conditions. The objective was to evaluate the effect of MLT on experimental liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) in rats. Methods Twenty male Wistar rats (230–250 g) were divided into four groups. I: control group (CO); II: CO + MLT; III: CCl 4 ; and IV: CCl 4 + MLT. CCl 4 was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) as follows: 10 doses every 5 days, 10 doses every 4 days, and 7 doses every 3 days. MLT was administered i.p. at a dose of 20 mg/kg from the 10th week to the end of the experiment (16th week). Results In the CCl 4 + MLT group, we found that MLT caused a decrease in the level of F2‐isoprostanes and NQO1 expression. We also found that MLT reduced the inflammatory process as shown by decreased expressions of NF‐KB/p65 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and a smaller amount of inflammatory infiltrate. MLT reduced the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Picrosirius staining showed that MLT decreases fibrosis. Conclusion MLT has a potent antifibrogenic effect, modulating the parameters of oxidative stress, angiogenesis, and inflammation.