The effect of brown algae Nizimuddinia zanardinii on biochemical parameters and histopathological changes induced by cholestatic liver fibrosis in male rats

Background: Liver fibrosis is an important health problem in the world; the excessive deposition of type 1 collagen is the most characteristic feature of liver fibrosis. Algae is one of the natural resources that contains biologically active compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties. In this study, the effect of brown algae Nizimuddinia zanardinii on liver damage caused by cholestatic liver fibrosis in rats was evaluated. Material: and Methods: 54 male rats were randomly classified in nine groups: control, sham, BDL, treatment and Nizimuddinia control. In the treatment group, after BDL, rats were given Nizimuddinia zanradinii extract via intragastric gavage for 45 days (once per day). parameters contains ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, total protein, SOD and CAT and histopathological assessments evaluated. Results: : Treatment with Nizimuddinia zanardinii significantly weakened these alterations. In order to, in the treatment groups, TGF-β1 expression was severe, noticeable and low, respectively. In treatment groups, α-SMA expression was remarkable and mildly observed in hepatocytes and hyperplastic bile ducts, respectively. Conclusions: : Based on this study, the N. zanardinii extract may protect the liver and have anti-fibrotic effects through its antioxidant and reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA.