S-allylcysteine is Effective as a Chemopreventive Agent against Porcine Serum-induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic progressive disorder with a poor prognosis for which no definitive treatment exists. S-allylcysteine (SAC), an ingredient of aged garlic extract, is known to have antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of SAC in the liver. Methods Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by porcine serum (PS) intraperitoneal injection. SAC (0.15 % of basal diet) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 0.45 % of basal diet) was orally administered for 12 weeks. Liver damage was assessed by the levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatic lipid peroxides (LPO), and hepatic total thiols 12 weeks after first PS injection. Area of fibrosis was examined by Azan-Mallory staining. Hydroxyproline content of liver were assessed as an index of collagen content. Liver was examined for expression of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) as a marker of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Results There were no significant differences in levels of plasma ALT, hepatic LPO, or hepatic total thiols among the groups. PS significantly increased area of fibrosis and hydroxyproline content in the liver. SAC and NAC each markedly attenuated the development of hepatic fibrosis. SAC and NAC markedly suppressed the PS-induced increase in a-SMA expressions