The anti-fibrotic effect of green tea with a high catechin content in the galactosamine-injured rat liver

Abstract

Previously, we reported that the oral administration of green tea rich in catechins restored levels of several biomarkers increasing in galactosamine-treated rats to nearly control values. These biomarkers included serum transaminase activities, serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1-β, and the hepatic mRNA expression of these inflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we examined possible anti-fibrotic effects of green tea in galactosamine-induced hepatitis. The results of the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction indicated that the increase in gene expression of the α1 chain of collagen type 1 and transforming growth factor β-1 in the injured liver 24 h post-injection of galactosamine was suppressed by the administration of green tea. Masson's trichrome staining demonstrated that the extent of fibrogenesis after 14 days was greater in the galactosamine-injured livers not treated with green tea than the treated ones. These results suggest that the drinking of green tea with a high catechin content may help to prevent and/or attenuate the development of fibrosis in hepatitis.

Protective effect of sulfated polysaccharide isolated fromUlva fasciataagainst galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats

“…This study found a significant increase in hepatic gene expression of TGF‐β1 and collagen type I 48 hr post GalN administration, compared to controls. Similar findings were previously reported (Abe et al, ; Czaja et al, ; Jonker, Dijkhuis, Boes, Hardonk, & Grond, ). TGF‐β1 is a profibrogenic cytokine that plays a major role in the development of hepatic fibrosis (Abe et al, ).…”

“…Similar findings were previously reported (Abe et al, ; Czaja et al, ; Jonker, Dijkhuis, Boes, Hardonk, & Grond, ). TGF‐β1 is a profibrogenic cytokine that plays a major role in the development of hepatic fibrosis (Abe et al, ). Treatment of primary cultures of hepatic cells with TGF‐β1 increased type I procollagen mRNA level 13‐fold (Czaja et al, ).…”

Cinnamon reduces inflammatory response in intestinal fibroblasts in vitro and in colitis in vivo leading to decreased fibrosis

“…Also several other nutritional compounds are known for their antifibrotic effect in vivo. Green tea revealed ‐ similar to CE ‐ a reduction of fibrosis in Masson's trichrome staining in liver fibrosis .…”

Health-promoting effects of green tea

“…68) Thus, green tea appears to have hepatoprotective effects. From a clinical point of view, the application of catechins to therapy for hepatitis C appears to be promising.…”