engleski

Effects of standardized bilberry fruit extract (Mirtoselect®) on resolution of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) has been traditionally used in the treatment of various liver disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anthocyanin rich bilberry fruit extract (BE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. Male Balb/C mice were treated with CCl4 dissolved in olive oil (20% v/v, 2 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice a week for 7 weeks. BE was administered i.p. once daily for next 15 days, in doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg of body weight, while the CCl4 group received saline. CCl4-administration elevated serum markers of liver damage and increased oxidative stress in the liver. BE treatment has successfully attenuated oxidative stress, eliminated hepatic fibrous deposits and modulated the expression of α-SMA, suggesting inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Furthermore, the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor-β1 due to CCl4 intoxication declined by BE administration. Our results indicate that BE could stimulate the reversion of liver fibrosis by down-regulation of fibrogenic and inflammatory stimuli and by inactivation of HSC. These characteristics make Mirtoselect® an noteworthy candidate as a nutritional compound to improve hepatic health condition in patients with liver fibrosis.

bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.); α-smooth muscle actin; tumor necrosis factor-α; transforming growth factor-β; matrix metalloproteinase

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