The effect of berberine nanomicelles on hepatic cirrhosis in bile duct-ligated rats

Authors

1 Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (IAUPS)

2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

4 Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91775-1365, Iran

Abstract

Objective (s): The anti-fibrotic effect of chronic berberine (BBR) had demonstrated previously in a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL). The aim of present study was to investigate hepatoprotective effect of BBR nanomicelles on liver cirrhosis induced by BDL in male rats.
Materials and methods: After 21 days of drugs’ treatments, the serum and tissue levels of hepatic markers were measured and pathologic evaluations performed.
Results: BDL could markedly increase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDH, and total bilirubin (TBIL) serum levels and tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level along with reductions in tissue levels of key antioxidants glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as total protein. On the other hand, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.), BBR (100 mg/kg) and BBR nanomicelles (50 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly decreased AST and ALT while enhanced GSH. In addition, BBR nanomicelles (50 mg/kg, p.o.), silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and BBR (100 mg/kg, p.o.) groups showed a considerable increase in SOD. BBR nanomicelles (50 mg/kg, po.) significantly lowered TNF-α. In addition, nanoBBR treatment prevented liver cirrhosis in histopathologic analysis.
Conclusion: Formulation of BBR may represent a worthy approach to enhance the effect of it in liver injuries.

Keywords


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