Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3
Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4
Kashan
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Vitex agnus-castus extract on histopathological alterations and Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) expression in liver damage induced by cholestasis in a bile duct obstruction model in rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: a healthy control group; three healthy groups receiving 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of Vitex agnus-castus hydroalcoholic extract (leaves, flowers, and immature fruits); a bile duct ligation (BDL) control group; and three BDL groups treated with the same doses. Treatment lasted four weeks, with daily gastric gavage. After euthanasia, liver enzymes and bilirubin were measured, and liver sections were assessed histopathologically and immunohistochemically for TGF-β.
Results: BDL-induced hepatic cholestasis resulted in significant elevations in serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bilirubin, as well as increased TGF-β expression(IHC) and histopathological damage in the liver compared to the healthy control groups. Treatment with Vitex agnus-castus extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg ameliorated these parameters and improved histopathological damage. The most pronounced effects were observed at the highest dose of 400 mg/kg which significantly influenced all measured outcomes.
Conclusion: Vitex agnus-castus significantly alleviates complications and injuries associated with liver cholestasis in a dose-dependent manner. Its antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds may help preserve liver tissue integrity in rats.
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