Antifibrotic activity of anthocyanidin delphinidin in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of anthocyanidin delphinidin in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Male Balb/C mice were treated with CCl4 dissolved in olive oil (20%, v/v. 2 mL/kg) intrapentoneally (i p), twice a week for 7 weeks. Delphinidin was administered i.p. once daily for next 2 weeks, in doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg of body weight The CCl4 control group has been observed for spontaneous reversion of fibrosis CCl4-administration Induced an elevation in serum transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels and increased oxidative stress in the liver. Delphinidin has successfully attenuated oxidative stress, increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 and metallothionein I/II expression and restored hepatic architecture. Furthermore, the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta 1 has been withdrawn by delphinidin Concomitantly, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin indicated returning of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into inactive state Our results suggest the therapeutic effects of delphinidin in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by promoting extracellular matrix degradation. HSC inactivation and down-regulation of fibrogenic stimuli, with strong enhancement of hepatic regenerative capability (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.