Effect of Rubus extract on TLR4/NF-kappa B signaling pathway in alcoholic liver fibrosis rats.

ABSTRACT

This study aims to explore the effect of the Rubus extract on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in alcoholic liver fibrosis rats. The alcoholic liver rat model was established by continuous ethanol gavage administration. Rats were divided randomly into six groups (i.e., blank control, model, 0.05g/kg Rubus extract, 0.125g/kg Rubus extract, 0.259 g/kg Rubus extract and positive control groups). Liver tissue and blood were collected after treatment for four weeks. The pathological changes in the liver were observed by HE and Masson staining methods. The hyaluronic acid (HA), TNF-α and IL-6 levels were determined by ELISA kits. The TLR4 and p-p65 protein expression levels in liver were detected by Western blot. The liver lesion degree was significantly decreased in the Rubus extract group, and a high concentration of the Rubus extract indicated a significant improvement. The TNF-α, HA and IL-6 levels in the Rubus extract and positive control groups were significantly lower than those of the model group (P<0.05). The TLR4 and p-p65 protein expression levels were also significantly decreased in the Rubus extract and positive control groups (P< 0.05) with a concentration dependence of Rubus extract. The Rubus extract could delay the development of alcoholic liver fibrosis through inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway activity.