Baccharis anomala DC. extract reduces inflammation and attenuates hepatic fibrosis in vivo by decreasing NF-kB and extracellular matrix compounds

• Published in: Toxicon (Oxford) 2024-01, Vol.237, p.107560-107560, Article 107560
• Main Authors: de Souza Basso, Bruno, Bastos, Matheus Scherer, Antunes, Géssica Luana, Matzenbacher, Lucas Strassburger, Rodrigues, Kétlin Fernanda, Garcia, Maria Claudia Rosa, de Sousa, Arieli Cruz, Levorse, Vitor Giancarlo, Luft, Carolina, Tonial, Giovana Vivan, Pavanato, Giovanna Mezzomo, Astarita, Leandro Vieira, da Silva Melo, Denizar Alberto, Donadio, Márcio Vinícius Fagundes, Santarém, Eliane Romanato, de Oliveira, Jarbas Rodrigues
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Baccharis anomala; Inflammation; Liver disease; Nutraceutical; Oxidative stress
• ISSN: 0041-0101; 1879-3150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107560

Baccharis anomala DC. (BA) is a plant species found in the tropical regions of South America and is widely used for its hepatoprotective effects, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have recently reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. BA extract can reverse the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the development of liver fibrosis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with BA extract on liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in BALB/c mice. Methanolic extract was obtained from BA leaves, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect the compounds present was performed, and then administered by intraperitoneal injection in Balb/C mice at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg together with the administration of CCl4 for inducing liver fibrosis. After 10 weeks, blood analysis, histopathology, oxidative stress, as well as protein and gene expression in the hepatic tissue were performed. Treatment with BA extract was able to reduce profibrotic markers by reducing the expression of α-SMA and Col-1 proteins, as well as reducing the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. (BA extract showed anti-inflammatory effects in the liver by suppressing NF-kB activation and reducing gene expression of signaling targets (IL-6 and iNOS). The data obtained showed that BA extract has antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. [Display omitted] •B. anomala extract attenuates fibrosis development on liver.•B. anomala extract decreases ROS formation on liver of fibrotic mice.•B. anomala extract decreases the activation of NF-kβ on liver of fibrotic mice.