Protective effects of sesamin on liver fibrosis through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in rats

CONTEXT: Sesamin (Ses) from Sesamun indicum seeds has potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. OBJECTIVE: This study focused on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Ses on Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in experimental rats and the potential mechanism underlying the activation of NF-kB pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by interaperitoneally (i.p.) administered with 20% CCl4 in corn oil (2 mL/kg for 8 weeks) in rats. After 8 weeks, activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were checked. The levels of protein carbonyls and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH-Px were determined after Ses administration. H&E and Masson's trichrome staining for histopathological changes of liver tissues were observed. Western blotting was used to detect expression of IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and NF-kB activation. Finally, the levels of hydroxyproline in liver tissues were also determined. RESULTS: Ses decreased the release of liver enzymes - ALT, AST, and TBIL, reduced protein carbonyls, attenuated the reduction of SOD and GSH-Px activities induced by CCl4 in the liver tissue. It also significantly reduced the levels IL-6 and COX-2 in the liver caused by CCl4 by inhibition of NF-kB activation. Histological results indicated that Ses significantly improved the pathological lesions of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ses exerted hepatoprotective effects possibly due to the antioxidant effect and suppressing the NF-kB activation.