Erschienen in:
01.08.2008
Hepatoprotective Effect of Infliximab, an Anti-TNF-α Agent, on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis
Erschienen in:
Inflammation
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Ausgabe 4/2008
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Abstract
To assess the effect of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agent, on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Rats were randomized into three groups (n = 9). The control group received only intraperitoneal (i.p.) olive oil. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by repeated i.p. injections of 1.5 ml/kg CCl4 (1:3 mixture with olive oil) for 5 weeks in the remaining two groups which were also injected subcutaneous saline or 2 mg/kg infliximab. Infliximab reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05 for both). The scores of hepatic necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin were lower in the infliximab-treated group than the CCI4-treated group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in terms of liver tissue and plasma malondialdehyde, and serum TNF-α levels, while infliximab relatively reduced the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (373.0 ± 153.1 vs. 280.8 ± 127.1 pg/ml). Treatment with infliximab attenuated the necro-inflammation and fibrogenesis in the CCI4-induced hepatic fibrosis, and thus it might be effective as a therapeutic anti-fibrotic agent.