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Acta Physiologica 2012; Volume 206, Supplement 693
Joint FEPS and Spanish Physiological Society Scientific Congress 2012
9/8/2012-9/11/2012
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CHITOSAN ON LIVER DAMAGE IN EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE EXTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS
Abstract number: O429
Dudea1 M, Clichici2 S, Olteanu2 D, Nagy3 A, Dudea4 S, Cucos2 M, Moldovan2 R, Muresan2 A
1Department of Physiology, The University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania,,
2Department of Physiology, The University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania,,
3Department of Pathology, USAMV, Cluj-Napoca, Romania,
4Radiology, The University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania,
Objectives:
Chitosan is currently the focus of much medical research, as it is a natural product, a Crustacean shell derivative, with no adverse reactions and contraindications reported.
In vitro and in vivo studies revealed antioxidant and acute phase antiinflammatory effects of Chitosan. We aimed to evaluate the comparative effects of chitosan , administrated in different periods of time, on liver damage caused by bile duct ligation in Wistar rats.
Materials:
We divided 40 Wistar albino rats in the following groups: 1 (SHAM) rats underwent laparotomy, 2 (BDL) on which bile duct ligation was performed, 3 (BDL C14) bile duct ligation and Chitosan 1 mg/kg p.o. daily for 14 days after the ligature and 4 (BDL C7) bile duct ligation and Chitosan 1 mg/kg p.o. daily from the 8th to the 14th day after the ligature.
We have assessed the serum and liver tissue activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) using a fluorometric examination, and glutathione (GLT) (spectrofotometrically) in order to determine the oxidative stress response. A histopathological examination(Knodell Histological Activity Index and the number of biliary canals in five portal sites for each section were noted) was performed. We have determined using imunohistochemically the αSMA (alpha smooth muscle actine).
Results:
The levels of MDA in the liver tissue were significantly lower in C7 group compared to C14 and BDL group (p<0,05), whereas the level of GLT was significantly higher in C7 group compared to C14 and BDL group (p<0,05). The histological findings were improved by the administration of Chitosan. Numerous α-SMA positive cells were observed around the proliferating bile ducts in the portal area in the liver of bile duct ligated rats.
Conclusions:
In conclusion we have confirmed that the administration of Chitosan has protective effect on the liver injury caused by bile duct ligation. The effect proved to be of higher significance when the treatment was established starting with the second week after the surgery and was sustained for a shorter amount of time.
To cite this abstract, please use the following information:
Acta Physiologica 2012; Volume 206, Supplement 693 :O429