Effect of carvacrol on IL-6/STAT3 pathway after partial hepatectomy in rat liver

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Carvacrol is a component in the essential oil of Lamiaceae family. Beside its antihepatotoxic and hepatoprotective properties it is known to be a contribution to liver regeneration. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of carvacrol in rat liver regeneration after 70 % partial hepatectomy (PHx) through interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways. METHODS: In our study six groups were formed from 3-month old Wistar albino male rats. Group I and II were Sham operated; Group III and IV received 1 mL 0.9 % NaCl; and Group V and VI were the groups that were treated with 73 mg/kg carvacrol. Group III, IV, V, and VI animals underwent 68-70 % PHx. Dissection was performed 24 and 48 after surgical procedure. Serum Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were determined. The liver regeneration rate (RR) was calculated. Histopathological analysis was performed by Hematoxylin & Eosin staining and the proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining in liver samples. In the liver, certain genes expressions in IL-6/STAT3 and MAPK pathways with RT-PCR analysis and protein expression with Western blot analysis were measured. CONCLUSION: Carvacrol showed a positive effect on hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration 24 and 48 hours after PHx.