Inhibitory effect of Solanum nigrum on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice.
OBJECTIVE
Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae) has been used in traditional folk medicine for its hepatoprotective agent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Solanum nigrum extract (SNE) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.


METHODS
Hepatic fibrosis was produced by TAA (0.2 g/kg, i.p.) three times a week for 12 weeks. Mice in the three TAA groups were treated daily with distilled water and SNE (0.2 or 1.0 g/kg) via gastrogavage throughout the experimental period.


RESULTS
SNE reduced the hepatic hydroxyproline and alpha-smooth muscle actin protein levels of TAA-treated mice. SNE inhibited TAA-induced collagene (alpha1)(I) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA levels in the liver. Histological examination also confirmed that SNE reduced the degree of fibrosis caused by TAA treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral administration of SNE significantly reduces TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, probably through the reduction of TGF-beta1 secretion.
Hsieh
Chang-Chi
CC
Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Fang
Hsun-Lang
HL
Lina
Wen-Chuan
WC
D000199:Actins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D032324:Solanum nigrum / Q000737:chemistry*; D013853:Thioacetamide / Q000633:toxicity; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D024042:Collagen Type I; D010936:Plant Extracts; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D013853:Thioacetamide; D006909:Hydroxyproline