Bile duct ligation in rats: A reliable model of hepatorenal syndrome?

Protective effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on hepatorenal syndrome in rats

BACKGROUND

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the most prevalent form of acute kidney injury in cirrhotic patients. It is characterized by reduced renal blood flow and represents the most severe complication in cirrhotic patients with advanced disease. Previous research has indicated that antioxidants can delay the onset of a hyperdynamic circulatory state in cirrhosis and improve renal function in HRS patients. Regular omega-3 supplementation has significantly reduced the risk of liver disease. This supplementation could represent an additional therapy for individuals with HRS.

AIM

To evaluated the antioxidant effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the kidneys of cirrhotic rats.

METHODS

Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced in rats by biliary duct ligation (BDL) for 28 d. We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into the following groups: I (control); II (treated with omega-3, 1 g/kg of body weight); III (BDL treated with omega-3, 1 g/kg of body weight); and IV (BDL without treatment). The animals were killed by overdose of anesthetic; the kidneys were dissected, removed, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored in a freezer at -80℃ for later analysis. We evaluated oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, DNA damage by the comet assay, cell viability test, and apoptosis in the kidneys. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, and means were compared using the Tukey test, with P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Omega-3 significantly decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.001) and lipoperoxidation in the kidneys of cirrhotic rats treated with omega-3 (P < 0.001). The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase increased in the BDL+omega-3 group compared to the BDL group (P < 0.01). NO production, DNA damage, and caspase-9 cleavage decreased significantly in the omega-3-treated BDL group. There was an increase in mitochondrial electrochemical potential (P < 0.001) in BDL treated with omega-3 compared to BDL. No changes in the cell survival index in HRS with omega-3 compared to the control group (P > 0.05) were observed.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that omega-3 can protect cellular integrity and function by increasing antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting the formation of free radicals, and reducing apoptosis.

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome: A Nationwide Analysis of Epidemiological Trends and Outcomes From 2012 to 2018

Background

This study was designed to determine the epidemiological trends and adverse outcomes of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Methods

This retrospective interrupted trend study analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018 to identify adult (≥ 18 years) hospitalizations with a diagnosis of HPS. We highlighted epidemiological trends for HPS. Inpatient mortality, mean length of stay (LOS) and mean total hospital charge (THC) were estimated using multivariate regression trend analysis.

Results

We observed an increase in the total number of HPS hospitalizations from 1,565 in 2012 to 2,495 in 2018, with mean age ranging from 55.8 to 58.1 years. There was a trend towards increasing hospitalizations (P-trend < 0.001) with increasing mean age (P-trend = 0.003) for HPS. Whites made up most of the study population. The inpatient mortality for HPS ranged from 12.4% to 12.6%, but there was no statistically significant trend for mortality (P-trend = 0.534) between 2012 and 2018. Additionally, there was no change in both mean LOS (P-trend = 0.545) and mean THC (P-trend = 0.534) for HPS for these years.

Conclusions

Hospitalizations and mean age for HPS were on the rise. Inpatient mortality ranged from 12.4% to 12.6%; however, a statistically significant trend for mortality was absent.

Sepsis and cirrhosis in growing animals: description of a new experimental model and its pathological and immunological reliability

OBJECTIVES

In cirrhotic children, infection events and sepsis are more frequent and more severe due to immune dysfunction. The objectives of the current study were therefore to develop an experimental model of infection and sepsis in cirrhotic weaning growing rats, by the use of bile duct ligation (BDL) and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Additionally, the correlation of the clinico-histopathological data and serial cytokine levels in septic cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic animals was studied.

METHODS

Young Wistar rats of age 21 days and of weight between 70-90 g were divided into 12 groups according to the surgical procedure performed: sham (sacrificed after 2 or 4 weeks), BDL (sacrificed after 2 or 4 weeks), CLP (2- or 4-week old animals sacrificed after 12 or 24 hours), BDL+CLP (2- or 4-week old animals sacrificed after 12 hours). Histopathological studies and determination of serum levels of cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-10, and TNF-alpha, for studies of systemic infection, were performed. Murine sepsis scores (MSS) based on the clinical aspects just before euthanasia were also included.

RESULTS

A transitory increase in IL-1, IL-10, and TNF-alpha levels was observed, with different patterns according to the groups. Two-hit groups tended to present with higher values of serum cytokines and histopathological scores than their septic non-cirrhotic counterparts. There was a correlation between mortality rate and MSS (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The model is feasible and may be utilized in studies on liver cirrhosis and infection in growing animals.

Impairment of natriuresis and diuresis induced by intrarenal adrenoceptor mechanisms in an experimental model of cirrhosis in rats

The contribution of intrarenal alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in mediating the enhanced renal excretory responses evoked by the alpha-2-agonist xylazine was examined in a model of cirrhosis in rats. In sham-operated rats, xylazine (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.) increased diuresis and natriuresis (urine flow, control: 78 ± 12.1, 10 min: 155 ± 17, 20 min: 194 ± 19, 30 min: 146 ± 16, 40 min: 114 ± 13, 50 min: 95 ± 10.5 μl/min/g; urinary sodium excretion, control: 6.75 ± 2.08, 10 min: 7.12 ± 2.1, 20 min: 13.4 ± 4.6, 30 min: 14.6 ± 4.02, 40 min: 12.05 ± 2.35, 50 min: 12.7 ± 2.45 μeq/min/g), which was accompanied by a significant reduction in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) (control: 100, 10 min: 39.5 ± 5.8, 20 min: 53 ± 8.8, 30 min: 72 ± 7.0, 40 min: 83 ± 5.0, 50 min: 94 ± 6.1 AU). Xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) in cirrhotic animals, despite resulting in a significant reduction in RSNA (control: 100, 10 min: 73 ± 4.3*, 20 min: 70 ± 5.0*, 30 min: 76 ± 7.0*, 40 min: 85 ± 5.5*, 50 min: 92 ± 4.8* AU), was unable to increase natriuresis. A higher dose (20 mg/kg) of xylazine was not capable of increasing natriuresis and diuresis, even in the presence of a robust reduction in RSNA. Renal denervation did not alter the onset and time course of cirrhosis. The results indicated that during the development of cirrhosis, there is an adaptive process that disables the intrarenal alpha-2 adrenoceptor mechanisms that selectively promote water and urinary sodium excretion via a sympathetic renal nerve-independent mechanism. Thus, in cirrhotic rats, the diuresis/natriuresis induced by xylazine is independent on RSNA. Intrarenal and/or hormonal changes are probably involved in the impairment of xylazine-induced diuresis/natriuresis in cirrhosis.

L-carnitine reduces acute lung injury in experimental biliary obstruction

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the protective effects of L-carnitine (LC) on lungs in an experimental obstructive jaundice (OJ) model.

METHODS

This was conducted for 2 months between May 2011 and July 2011 at Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Isparta, Turkey. Thirty-eight Wistar-Albino rats with an average weight of 250-300 g were divided into 3 groups of control, OJ, and OJ + L-carnitine treatment (LCT). L-carnitine was injected intravenously into the tail vein at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 10 days to the LCT group. Animals were sacrificed 10 days later. Enzyme levels were measured in the lung tissue; malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Tumor necrosis factor-alfa, interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, and C-reactive protein levels were studied in plasma samples. Histopathological changes in the lungs were examined. 

RESULTS

There was a decreased in GSH-Px, MPO, and IL-8 levels (p less than 0.05) in the LCT group. The histopathological examination showed that neutrophil leukocyte infiltration and edema formation decreased and destruction of lung parenchyma disappeared following the treatment with LC (p less than 0.05). 

CONCLUSION

L-carnitine has a protective effect against lung damage due to experimental obstructive jaundice, possibly by altering anticytokine and antioxidant activity, and by decreasing the neutrophil migration.

Riboflavin conjugated temperature variant ZnO nanoparticles with potential medicinal application in jaundice

Significant ameliorative efficiency of riboflavin conjugated ZnO nanoparticles against jaundice stress at molecular and cellular levels.

Establishment and evaluation of a rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice

AIM: To establish a rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice and to evaluate its clinical practical value.

METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into a reversible obstructive jaundice group (ROJ) and an obstructive jaundice group (OJ). In the ROJ group, bile duct obstruction was induced by ligation of the bile duct and a PICC catheter in parallel. After 5 d, the PICC catheter was pulled out to allow the recanalization of the bile duct. In the OJ group, complete obstructive jaundice was induced. Eight rats from each group were sacrificed on days 5 and 8, respectively, which were designated as ROJ5, ROJ8, OJ5 and OJ8, respectively. Serum total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured before operation and on days 5, 6 and 8 after operation. Intestinal mucosal tissue samples were taken and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to observe the changes in intestinal mucosal morphology and damage.

RESULTS: The changes in serum TBIL, ALT and ALP in the ROJ5 group were similar to those in the OJ5 group on day 5 after the model establishment, and there was no difference in liver function parameters between the two groups at each time point. Three days after the catheter was removed in the ROJ group, serum levels of TBIL, ALT and ALP quickly recovered, and the damage of the intestinal mucosa was significantly reduced. The intestinal mucosal injury index in the ROJ8 group was significantly lower than that in the OJ8 group.

CONCLUSION: The rat model of reversible obstructive jaundice developed by "ligation of the bile duct and removal of support catheter" is a stable and reliable animal model.

Behavioral alterations and Fos protein immunoreactivity in brain regions of bile duct-ligated cirrhotic rats

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) encompasses a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety and psychomotor dysfunction. Although HE is a frequent complication of liver cirrhosis, the neurobiological substrates responsible for its clinical manifestations are largely unclear. In the present study, male Wistar rats were bile duct-ligated (BDL), a procedure which induces liver cirrhosis, and on the 21st day after surgery tested in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and in an open field for anxiety and locomotor activity measurements. Analysis of Fos protein immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) was used to better understand the neurobiological alterations present in BDL animals. Plasma levels of ammonia were quantified and histopathological analysis of the livers was performed. BDL rats showed a significant decrease in the percentage of entries and time spent in the open arms of the EPM, an anxiogenic effect. These animals also presented significant decreases in Fos-ir in the lateral septal nucleus and medial amygdalar nucleus. Their ammonia plasma levels were significantly higher when compared to the sham group and the diagnosis of cirrhosis was confirmed by histopathological analysis. These results indicate that the BDL model induces anxiogenic results, possibly related to changes in the activation of anxiety-mediating circuitries and to increases in ammonia plasma levels.

Effect of nitric oxide pathway regulation on water/sodium balance and renal function in a rodent model of acute liver and renal failure

BACKGROUND

The pathomechanism of acute hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), a particular form of acute renal failure that occurs in the course of acute liver injury, is still poorly understood. The aim of our study was to estimate the influence of the activation and inhibition of the nitric oxide pathway on the water/sodium balance and development of acute renal failure in the course of HRS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used male Sprague-Dawley rats in the acute galactosamine (Ga1N) model of HRS. The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors L-NAME and L-arginine were administered intraperitoneally before and after liver damage.

RESULTS

HRS developed in all tested groups. L-NAME increased osmotic clearance and urine volume more effectively before liver injury. Furthermore, administration of L-NAME increased creatinine clearance both before and after Ga1N injection. A double dose of L-NAME did not yield further improvement before Ga1N injection, but improved creatinine clearance after Ga1N intoxication. Injection of L-arginine increased sodium excretion and urine volume, but only after liver injury. Moreover, L-arginine injected after Ga1N caused significant improvement of the creatinine clearance in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that inhibition of the nitric oxide pathway improves parameters of water and sodium balance and prevents development of acute renal failure in the course of acute liver injury and liver failure. Activation of the nitric oxide system also has a favorable influence on water/sodium balance and renal failure, but only after liver injury.

Increased circulatory asymmetric dimethylarginine and multiple organ failure: bile duct ligation in rat as a model

Bile duct ligation (BDL)-treated rats exhibit cholestasis, increased systemic oxidative stress, and liver fibrosis, which ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase that can decrease the synthesis of nitric oxide. BDL rats have higher plasma and hepatic ADMA levels, which may be due to increased hepatic protein arginine methyltransferase-1 and decreased dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase expression. BDL rats also exhibit renal and brain damage characterized by increased tissue ADMA concentrations. The increased plasma ADMA levels and multiple organ damages seen here are also observed following multiple organ failures associated with critical illness. This review discusses the dysregulation of ADMA in major organs in BDL rats and the role of increased ADMA in multiple organ damages.

Review of experimental models for inducing hepatic cirrhosis by bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride injection

PURPOSE

To present a review about a comparative study of bile duct ligation versus carbon tetrachloride Injection for inducing experimental liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

This research was made through Medline/PubMed and SciELO web sites looking for papers on the content "induction of liver cirrhosis in rats". We have found 107 articles but only 30 were selected from 2004 to 2011.

RESULTS

The most common methods used for inducing liver cirrhosis in the rat were administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and bile duct ligation (BDL). CCl4 has induced cirrhosis from 36 hours to 18 weeks after injection and BDL from seven days to four weeks after surgery.

CONCLUSION

For a safer inducing cirrhosis method BDL is better than CCl4 because of the absence of toxicity for researches and shorter time for achieving it.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of lycopene in obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND

Obstructive jaundice, a frequently observed condition caused by obstruction of the common bile duct or its flow and seen in many clinical situations, may end up with serious complications like sepsis, immune depression, coagulopathy, wound breakdown, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and hepatic and renal failures. Intrahepatic accumulation of reactive oxygen species is thought to be an important cause for the possible mechanisms of the pathogenesis of cholestatic tissue injury from jaundice. Carotenoids have been well described that are able to scavenge reactive oxygen species. Lycopene, a carotenoid present in tomatoes, tomato products, and several fruits and vegetables, have been suggested to have antioxidant activity, so may play a role in certain diseases related to the oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of lycopene on oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by experimental biliary obstruction in Wistar albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Daily doses of 100 mg/kg lycopene were given to the bile duct-ligation (BDL) rats orally for 14 days. DNA damage was evaluated by an alkaline comet assay. The levels of aspartate transferase, amino alanine transferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and direct bilirubin were analyzed in plasma for the determination of liver functions. The levels of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S transferase were determined in the liver and kidney tissues. Pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha level was determined in the liver tissues. Histologic examinations of the liver and kidney tissues were also performed.

RESULTS

According to this study, lycopene significantly recovered the parameters of liver functions in plasma, reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, enhanced reduced glutathione levels, as well as enhancing all antioxidant enzyme activity in all tissues obtained from the BDL group. Moreover, the parameters of DNA damage in the liver and kidney tissue cells, whole blood cells, and lymphocytes were significantly lower in the lycopene-treated BDL group, compared with the BDL group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lycopene significantly reduced the DNA damage, and markedly recovered the liver and kidney tissue injuries seen in rats with obstructive jaundice.

Strain of experimental animals and modulation of nitric oxide pathway: their influence on development of renal failure in an experimental model of hepatorenal syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Pathomechanism of HRS is still poorly understood. The aim of our study was: (1) to test whether different strains of rats could develop typical HRS, and (2) to estimate the influence of activation and inhibition of nitric oxide for development of renal failure in course of HRS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

First, we used 16 of Wistar and 16 of Sprague-Dawley rats in galactosamine model of HRS. Next, we used 48 of SDR rats, which received saline, N-nitro-L-arginine or L-arginine before and after liver damage. Twenty four hours urine and blood samples were collected 48 h after saline or Ga1N injection. Biochemical parameters were determined in serum or urine and then creatinine clearance and osmolality clearance were calculated. Liver and kidney tissues were collected for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Liver failure developed in all tested groups with significant increase of bilirubin (p < 0.001), ALT (p < 0.001) and ammonia (p < 0.001). Nevertheless we did not achieve any evidence of renal failure in Wistar, but we found typical renal failure in Sprague-Dawley group with significant decrease in creatinine clearance (p < 0.0012) and increase in concentration of creatinine and urea (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.001) respectively. Inhibition of NOS prevented development of renal failure with significant improvement of GFR both before (p < 0.0017) and after (p < 0.003) Ga1N injection. Injection of L-arginine after Ga1N injection did not caused significant improvement of GFR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed, that genetic factors might be responsible for development of renal failure in course of HRS and nitric oxide play important role in acute model of this syndrome.

Portal hypertensive cardiovascular pathology: the rescue of ancestral survival mechanisms?

The portal system derives from the vitelline system, which is an extra-embryonic venous system. It could be suggested that this extraembryonic origin determines some of the characteristics attributed to portal hypertension, both compensated, i.e. prehepatic, and decompensated, i.e. fibrotic or cirrhotic. The experimental models most frequently used for studying both types of portal hypertension are portal vein ligation and common bile duct ligation in rats, respectively. We propose that in partial portal vein ligated rats, a low-grade inflammatory response, formed by the successive expression of three overlapping phenotypes - ischemia-reperfusion, vitellogenic-like and remodeling or gastrulation-like - is produced. The names of these inflammatory phenotypes developed in compensated portal hypertension are based on some metabolic similarities that can be established with the abovementioned phases of embryonic development. In bile-duct ligated rats, decompensation related to hepatic insufficiency would induce a high-grade inflammatory response. In this experimental model, the splanchnic interstitium, the mesenteric lymph and the peritoneal mesothelium seem to create an inflammatory axis that produces ascites. The functional comparison between the ascitic and the amniotic fluids would imply that, in the decompensated portal hypertensive syndrome, the abdominal mesothelium acquires properties of the amniotic membranes or amnion. In conclusion, the hypothetical comparison between the inflammatory portal hypertensive evolutive types and the evolutive phases of embryonic development could allow for translational research.

Assessment of liver steatosis and fibrosis in rats using integrated coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and multiphoton imaging technique

We report the implementation of a unique integrated coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), second-harmonic generation (SHG), and two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy imaging technique developed for label-free monitoring of the progression of liver steatosis and fibrosis generated in a bile duct ligation (BDL) rat model. Among the 21 adult rats used in this study, 18 rats were performed with BDL surgery and sacrificed each week from weeks 1 to 6 (n = 3 per week), respectively; whereas 3 rats as control were sacrificed at week 0. Colocalized imaging of the aggregated hepatic fats, collagen fibrils, and hepatocyte morphologies in liver tissue is realized by using the integrated CARS, SHG, and TPEF technique. The results show that there are significant accumulations of hepatic lipid droplets and collagen fibrils associated with severe hepatocyte necrosis in BDL rat liver as compared to a normal liver tissue. The volume of normal hepatocytes keeps decreasing and the fiber collagen content in BDL rat liver follows a growing trend until week 6; whereas the hepatic fat content reaches a maximum in week 4 and then appears to stop growing in week 6, indicating that liver steatosis and fibrosis induced in a BDL rat liver model may develop at different rates. This work demonstrates that the integrated CARS and multiphoton microscopy imaging technique has the potential to provide an effective means for early diagnosis and detection of liver steatosis and fibrosis without labeling.

Evaluation of rat models of acute and chronic obstructive jaundice

AIM: To develop rat models of acute and chronic obstructive jaundice and to evaluate the extent to which they mimic features of clinical diseases.

METHODS: Ninety Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups: acute obstructive jaundice group, chronic obstructive jaundice group, and control group. Each group was further divided into five subgroups for testing at different time points. Liver function was determined and the diameter of the common bile duct was measured under a microscope at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 after model induction. Pathological changes in liver tissue were also observed by microscope. Choledochoduodenostomy was performed at week 4.

RESULTS: Jaundice progressively worsened in rats with acute obstructive jaundice, and TBIL increased from 84.86 μmol/L ± 49.09 μmol/L at week 1 to 749.38 μmol/L ± 38.99 μmol/L at week 4. Meanwhile, the diameter of the common bile duct diameter increased from 0.35 cm ± 0.15 cm to 1.50 cm ± 0.30 cm, and obvious degeneration, necrosis and hyperplasia of liver cells were observed. Jaundice was obviously improved after choledochoduodenostomy (TBIL: 153.93 μmol/L ± 57.36 μmol/L; diameter of the common bile duct: 0.40 cm ± 0.20 cm). Jaundice was mild in rats with chronic obstructive jaundice, and TBIL decreased from 42.43 μmol/L ± 23.56 μmol/L at week 1 to 36.52 μmol/L ± 16.28 μmol/L at week 4. Meanwhile, the diameter of the common bile duct increased from 0.20 cm ± 0.15 cm to 0.30 cm ± 0.10 cm, and obvious degeneration and hyperplasia of liver cells were noted. Jaundice slowly subsided after choledochoduodenostomy (TBIL: 32.15 μmol/L ± 13.20 μmol/L; diameter of the common bile duct: 0.15 cm ± 0.10 cm). Total bilirubin and the diameter of the common bile duct differed significantly at different time points between rats with acute and chronic obstructive jaundice (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Rat models of acute and chronic obstructive jaundice have been successfully established. There were significantly different manifestations between rats with chronic and acute obstructive jaundice.

Differential response related to genotoxicity in multiple organs of cirrhotic rats

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to use the single cell gel (comet) assay to investigate whether blood, liver, heart, kidney, and brain are particularly sensitive organs for DNA damage in cirrhotic rats to predict genetic instability induced by cirrhosis.

METHODS

A total of 16 male Wistar rats (negative control, n = 8; experimental, n = 8) were submitted to bile duct ligation during 28 days.

RESULTS

Cirrhosis was able to induce genetic damage in liver and brain cells, as depicted by the mean tail moment. No genetic damage was induced in blood, heart, or kidney cells (i.e., no significant statistically differences were noticed when compared with negative control).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results suggest that cirrhosis could contribute to DNA damage in liver and brain cells.

The interstitial lymphatic peritoneal mesothelium axis in portal hypertensive ascites: when in danger, go back to the sea

Portal hypertension induces a splanchnic and systemic low-grade inflammatory response that could induce the expression of three phenotypes, named ischemia-reperfusion, leukocytic, and angiogenic phenotypes.During the splanchnic expression of these phenotypes, interstitial edema, increased lymph flow, and lymphangiogenesis are produced in the gastrointestinal tract. Associated liver disease increases intestinal bacterial translocation, splanchnic lymph flow, and induces ascites and hepatorenal syndrome. Extrahepatic cholestasis in the rat allows to study the worsening of the portal hypertensive syndrome when associated with chronic liver disease. The splanchnic interstitium, the mesenteric lymphatics, and the peritoneal mesothelium seem to create an inflammatory pathway that could have a key pathophysiological relevance in the production of the portal hypertension syndrome complications. The hypothetical comparison between the ascitic and the amniotic fluids allows for translational investigation. From a phylogenetic point of view, the ancestral mechanisms for amniotic fluid production were essential for animal survival out of the aquatic environment. However, their hypothetical appearance in the cirrhotic patient is considered pathological since ultimately they lead to ascites development. But, the adult human being would take advantage of the potential beneficial effects of this “amniotic-like fluid” to manage the interstitial fluids without adverse effects when chronic liver disease aggravates.

Bile duct ligation in developing rats: temporal progression of liver, kidney, and brain damage

PURPOSE

Cholestatic liver disease may result in progressive end-stage liver disease and other extrahepatic complications. We explored the temporal progression of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestasis in developing rats, focusing on brain cognition and liver and kidney pathology, to elucidate whether these findings were associated with asymmetric dimethylarginine and oxidative stress alterations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three groups of young male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied: one group underwent laparotomy (sham), another group underwent laparotomy and BDL for 2 weeks (BDL2), and a third group underwent laparotomy and BDL for 4 weeks (BDL4).

RESULTS

The effect of BDL on liver was represented by transforming growth factor beta1 levels and histology activity index scores, which were worse in the BDL4 rats than in the BDL2 rats. BDL4 rats also exhibited more severe spatial memory deficits than BDL2 rats. In addition, renal injury was more progressive in BDL4 rats than in BDL2 rats because BDL4 rats displayed higher Cr levels, elevated tubulointerstitial injury scores, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and symmetric dimethylarginine levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the fact that young BDL rats exhibit similar trends of progression of liver, kidney, and brain damage. Further studies are needed to better delineate the nature of progression of organ damage in young cholestatic rats.

Effect of rosuvastatin on cholestasis-induced hepatic injury in rat livers

Recent studies reported that 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors have pleotropic effects independent of their lipid-lowering properties. The present study was undertaken to determine whether treatment with rosuvastatin (RO) would be beneficial in a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Animals were divided into three groups: a sham group (group I), a BDL group treated with vehicle (group II), and a BDL group treated with RO (10 mg/kg) (group III). Serum levels of total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly in group III when compared to group II. Lipid peroxides and NO levels of group III were found to be significantly lower than those of group II. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase) activity in liver tissues markedly decreased in group II, whereas treatment with RO preserved antioxidant enzyme activity. DT-diaphorase activity in group II was significantly higher than that in group III. The histopathological results showed multiple numbers of newly formed bile ductules with inflammatory cells infiltration in group II. These pathological changes were improved in group III. Our data indicate that RO ameliorates hepatic injury, inflammation, lipid peroxidation and increases antioxidant enzymes activity in rats subjected to BDL. RO may have a beneficial effect on treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.