Lithophaga lithophaga extract attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in male mice

Background: Bivalves are known as a healthy nutritional choice due to the highest amounts of nutrients, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. lithophaga Lithophaga is one of the major bivalves which had been reported as a vital medical nutrient. Aim: This work aimed to evaluate the potential activity of L. lithophaga extract (ELE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Material and Methods: Forty adult male mice were used in this study, they were divided into four groups: control, ELE (0.5 mg/Kg), CCl4 (4 mg/kg, twice weekly, for 4 weeks), and CCl4 for 4 weeks then treatment with ELE for consecutive 4 weeks. Results: The obtained results revealed that ELE improved the activity of antioxidants; SOD, CAT, and GPx that were disrupted by CCl4. This was associated with the restoration of liver deleterious histopathological features induced by CCl4. The levels of liver indices (ALT, AST, and Alb) are markedly improved. Moreover, ELE downregulated the expression of P53, Caspase-3, and TNF-α in the liver upregulated by CCl4. This reflects the anti-apoptotic and inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Lithophaga lithophaga extract has a powerful ameliorative role against liver fibrosis via modulation of antioxidants, liver functions, and histopathological signs caused by CCl4.