Characteristics of the Fibrous Component of the Liver after Administration of Ascorbic Acid in a Radiation Hepatitis Model

Irradiation of malignant neoplasms of the liver and abdominal organs can lead to the development of radiation hepatitis and liver failure. In addition, the acute inflammatory response stimulates collagenogenesis, which causes radiation-induced fibrosis. It appears promising to study the protective properties of ascorbic acid, which is a proven antioxidant capable of reducing the degree of radiation-induced liver fibrosis. In this study, we aim to assess the degree of radiation-induced liver fibrosis both in a model of chronic radiation hepatitis and against the background of administration of ascorbic acid. Wistar rats (n=40) were divided into four experimental groups: I – control (n=10); II – electron irradiation (n=10); III – administration of ascorbic acid before electron irradiation (n=10); IV – administration of ascorbic acid (n=10). Animals of all groups (I–IV) were removed from the experiment three months after the last fraction. A histological examination of liver fragments and histochemical staining according to Masson were performed. When performing histochemical staining of liver fragments according to Masson in the third month of the experiment, it was found that the area of collagen and reticular fibers stained with aniline blue practically retained control values in the group of pre-irradiation administration of ascorbic acid. For comparison, in the group of electron irradiation, a proliferation of the fibrous component was noted against the background of radiation hepatitis signs. Pre-irradiation administration of ascorbic acid slows down the development and decrease the severity of radiation-induced liver fibrosis three months after fractional local irradiation with electrons at a total dose of 30 Gy (in a model of radiation hepatitis).