Role of Vitamin D as Protective Agent against Induced Liver Damage in Male Rats

Abstract

One of the main factors which played a key role in the prevention of liver disorders such as hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis would be the vitamin D axis. Therefore, the current research was designed to evaluate the role of Vitamin D (Vit D) as a protective agent against liver damage caused by Thioacetamide (TAA). In the current study, 18 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups (n=6): in group 1(G1) the animals were considered as the control group and did not receive any supplement in drinking water; in group 2 (G2) TAA was administrated to the drinking water at a dose of 300 mg/L; in group 3 (G3) TAA was administrated to the drinking water at a dose of 300 mg/L plus vitamin D at a dose of 0.5 mg/100g body (intraperitoneal) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the liver was dissected and removed for histopathology. Histopathological evaluations were used to evaluate the possible adverse effects of TAA on the liver. Several hepatic damages were observed in the G2 group such as lobular disorder, some degrees of degeneration in hepatocytes and enlargement of the hepatic capillaries, and focal necrotic areas. Hepatic fibrosis was observed around portal areas and central veins. Bridging fibrous septa were formed between portal veins. The recorded data in this study showed that Vit D has some beneficial effects in protecting the liver from fibrosis and toxic damages. The recorded data showed that liver damages in the G3 group were partially prevented or cured. In conclusion, it is evident that the Vit D played a pivotal role as an antioxidant and anti-fibrotic agent, therefore it would be the best supplement for liver protection against damages due to toxin entrance into the animal's body.

Keywords: Histopathological examinations; Liver fibrosis; Thioacetamide; Vitamin D.

Figure 1

Section of normal liver showed the hepatocytes (⟷) around central vein (●) also kupffer cells (⟶ blue) and hepatocyte binucleate (⟶ black) was obvious. H&E stain (40X)

Figure 2

Section of normal liver showed hepatic cord (⟷) separated by smaller sinusoids (⟶) the hepatocyte around the central vein (●) H&E stain (10 X)

Figure 3

Section on liver from rat TAA (G2) showed focal necrosis (⟶) destruction and fibrosis (⟷) dilated portal veins (♦ black-blue) yperplasia of lining epithelial layer (⟷ red) and small dilated venule (⟷ yellow) infiltration of inflammatory cell (⟷ Blue) collagen fibers deposited (⟷ Olive). H&E stain (40X)

Figure 4

Section on liver from rat TAA (G2) showed congested portal tract (⟶ black) disorganized hepatocytes (⟷) mild area of fibrosis (⟶ Blue) central vein (⟶ yellow) more than one with degenerated lining layer, dilated sinusoids (⟶ red) fibrous speta (⟶ Cyan) and the section revealed to liver steatosis H&E stain (10X)

Figure 5

Section on liver from rat TAA (G2) showed congested portal tract (⟶ black) with accumulation of red blood cell (⟶ Orange) congested sinusoids (⟶ yellow) mild fatty changes (⟶ Blue) irregular hepatic cord (⟷ black) degeneration region (⟷ Cyan) small kupffer cells (⟶ Olive) vacuolated cytoplasm (⟶ Purple) H&E stain (40X)

Figure 6

Section on liver of rat TAA and Vit D (G3) showed normal hepatocyte arranges as a cord (⟷) around central vein (▲ Blue), with vesicular nuclei (⟶ Cyan) showed mitotic figures, few degenerated cells (⟶ Olive) normal kupffer cell (⟶ yellow), less dilated sinusoids (⟶ black) some hepatocyte binucleate (⟶ Orange) H&E stain (40X)

Figure 7

Section on liver from rat TAA & Vit D (G3) showed congested central vein (⟶ black), mild inflammatory cell (⟶ Orange) normal distribution of kupffer cells (⟶ Cyan) also most of hepatocyte appear normal (⟷) H&E stain (40X)

Figure 8

Section on liver from rat TAA & Vit D (G3) showed normal regeneration of hepatocytic cell (⟷) mild inflammatory cell (⟶ black) normal sinusoids (⟶ Cyan) normal blood vessel (⟶ yellow) mild hemorrhage (⟶ Olive) H&E stain (10X)

Figure 9

Section on liver from rat TAA & Vit D (G3) showed normal polygonal hepatocytes arranges as cords (⟷) around normal central vein (▲ black-blue) normal kupffer cells (⟶ black) less dilated sinusoids (⟶ Green) and normal cell boundries (⟶ Blue) moderat deposition of collagenous fibers (⟶ yellow) H&E stain (40X)