Protective effect of glycyrrhizc acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats: Role of integrin subunit β like 1 (ITG B L1)

Abstract

Glycyrrhizc acid (GA) is one of the herbal plants with a proved hepato-protective effect. The current study was carried out to estimate the hepato-protective effect of GA against liver fibrosis and to disclose its mode of action. Thirty two male albino rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n=8), i.e., control group, GA group, CCl4 group and CCl4 + GA group. Liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), liver histopathology, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CT) and gene expression of integrin subunit β like 1 (ITGBL1) were analyzed. The obtained data revealed that GA remarkably protected CCl4-induced liver injury as reflected by reduced AST, ALT, GGT, and fibrosis compared with the CCl4-only group. Moreover, GA significantly reduced the levels of MDA, as well as increased the activity of SOD and CT. Consequently, GA prevents CCl4-induced fibrosis in rats. The prophylactic action of GA against liver fibrosis was mediated through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, GA downregulated fibrogenic ITGBL1.