Effect of dietary nucleotides on degree of fibrosis and steatosis induced by oral intake of thioacetamide

Abstract

The administration of thioacetamide in rats induces nodular cirrhosis of the liver, characterized by fibrous septae, parenchymal nodules, proliferation of the bile ducts, and excessive deposition of connective tissue elements. Nodular cirrhosis is also associated with changes in lipid metabolism, as shown by the accumulation of lipid droplets in the hepatocyte cytoplasm. Adequate nutritional support during cirrhosis is important to sustain liver function and promote recovery after the lesions have been induced. Supplementation with nucleotides may increase cellular proliferation and thus optimize hepatic recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on the degree of fibrosis and steatosis in rats with liver cirrhosis induced by four months of oral intake of thioacetamide. The use of dietary nucleotides after thioacetamide administration was found to decrease the percentage area of fibrous septae. In animals with liver cirrhosis fed the nucleotide-supplemented diet for two weeks, the total area of fibrosis was reduced. Withdrawal of the hepatotoxic agent led to a decrease in the degree of steatosis in cirrhotic animals, which was significant in rats given the nucleotide-supplemented diet during a two-week recovery period. In conclusion, dietary nucleotides may be an important factor in the histological recovery of damaged liver in experimental cirrhosis.