Prevention of Liver Damage in Rats by Artichoke Leaf Extract, Colchicine and Pioglitazone

Abstract Objectıve The aim of the study was to comparatively investigate the protective effects of artichoke leaf extract, colchicine and pioglitazone in bile duct obstruction–induced liver fibrosis in rats. Methods In this study, 35 healthy male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1 (sham), Group 2 (control), Group 3 (artichoke leaf extract), Group 4 (colchicine), and Group 5 (pioglitazone). Except for the sham group (Group 1), all animals underwent bile duct ligation, followed by administration of the respective test substances for seven consecutive days. Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson Trichrome, and silver impregnation were used to demonstrate structural and fibrotic changes in the liver. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining methods for AFP for liver regeneration, TNF-α for inflammation, and p53 and caspase-3 for apoptosis. Results In the control group, ALT, AST and total bilirubin (1131 ± 484.1; 3074 ± 683.2; 8.78 ± 0.32) levels were high. On the other hand, these values were decreased in the treated groups, more significantly in the artichoke leaf extract (141.43 ± 44.9; 266.29 ± 55.6; 4.83 ± 0.47) group. This was consistent with the macroscopic and histomorphological findings. Conclusıon It was thought that these agents could be used as alternative methods in clinical treatment because the biochemical, structural and fibrotic changes that develop in the liver due to bile duct ligation were improved in the treatment groups, especially in the artichoke leaf extract group.