Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Lactoferrin on Experimentally Induced Liver Fibrosis in Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis is a well-established model of hepatotoxicity. Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Aim of the study: This study was made to demonstrate the ameliorating effect of lactoferrin versus CCL4 induced liver fibrosis in adult male albino rat using various biochemical and histological techniques. Materials & Methods: This study involved forty adult male albino rats that were randomly divided into 4 groups: group I represented the control group, group II received LF (100mg/kg/day) orally for 5 weeks, group III was intraperitoneally injected with CCL4 (1ml/kg/once a week, for five weeks) for induction of liver fibrosis, and group IV received LF and CCL4 concomitantly in the same dose and manner as groups II & III respectively. The liver specimens were processed for different biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Morphometrical and statistical studies were also performed. Results: CCL4 group showed disorganization of liver architecture that was evidenced by light & electron microscopic examination. A significant increase of the mean area percentage of collagen fibers by Masson's Trichrome, immunopositive reaction of αSMA and CD133 along the sinusoids were also observed. Lactoferrin administration in group IV showed improvement of all the previous results and oxidative stress biomarkers. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis could be ameliorated by lactoferrin.