The effect of berberine nanomicelles on hepatic cirrhosis in bile duct-ligated rats

Objective (s): The anti-fibrotic effect of chronic berberine (BBR) has been demonstrated previously in a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL). The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of BBR nanomicelles on liver cirrhosis induced by BDL in male rats. Materials and Methods: After 21 days of bebrine treatment, the serum and tissue levels of hepatic markers were measured and pathologic evaluations were performed. Results: BDL could markedly increase aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDH, and total bilirubin (TBIL) serum levels and tissue tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level along with reduction in tissue levels of key antioxidants glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as total protein. On the other hand, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.), BBR (100 mg/kg) and BBR nanomicelles (50 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly decreased AST and ALT while GSH was enhanced. In addition, BBR nanomicelles (50 mg/kg, p.o.), silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and BBR (100 mg/kg, p.o.) groups showed a considerable increase in SOD. BBR nanomicelles (50 mg/kg, po.) significantly lowered TNF-α level. In addition, nanoBBR treatment prevented liver cirrhosis in histopathologic analysis