Biochemical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Prosopis juliflora Leaves Extract on Experimentally Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Abstract

Fibrosis accompanies most chronic liver disorders and is a major factor contributing to hepatic failure. Therefore, the need for an effective treatment is evident. The present study was designed to investigate the antifibrotic effect of Prosopis juliflora leaves crude methanolic extract (PJLE) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. The phytochemical analysis of PJLE was performed via HPLC/MS in association with evaluating its free radical scavenging and cytotoxic activities. The antifibrotic activity of PJLE was assessed by dividing Wistar rats into 8 groups: normal control, PJLE1-administered rats (2 mg/ Kg b.w.), PJLE2-administered rats (4 mg/ Kg b.w.), PJLE3-administered rats (8 mg/Kg b.w.), TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, TAA+PJLE1, TAA+PJLE2, and TAA+PJLE3. Results indicated that PJLE crude methanolic extract is rich in polyphenolic compounds and alkaloids. PJLE exerted free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 123.5 μg/mL and cytotoxic activity against a well-differentiated hepatocellular cell line (IC50=11.1 μg/mL). PJLE at a dose of 4 mg/Kg b.w. ameliorated serum ALT activity and improved serum albumin level and hepatic hydroxyproline content in association with a reduction in the fibrosis stage. PJLE elevated hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 contents with less necrosis grade. PJLE post-therapy ameliorated the relative expression of Bcl-2, Col1A1, Mmp-9, and Mmp-2 genes in liver. Conclusion: PJLE possesses a good therapeutic activity against TAA-induced liver fibrosis via enhancing extracellular matrix removal and stimulating hepatic regeneration to decrease hepatic necrosis.