Capparis spinosa Attenuates Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis by Suppressing Inflammatory Cytokines in a Wistar Rat Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic hepatic condition that can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through inflammatory processes.

OBJECTIVES

This research aimed to examine the impact of an aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa fruit and the lipid-lowering agent fenofibrate (FENO) on hepatic inflammation and steatosis in rats subjected to a high-fat emulsion.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were given a high-fat diet (HFD) to develop NASH. The high-fat treated rats were categorized into three groups and administered either C. spinosa, FENO, or a vehicle control. Histopathological analyses, Liver Index computation, and measurements of body and liver weights were conducted. Serum levels of liver enzymes, adiponectin, and leptin were also assessed. Additionally, the expression of hepatic genes for monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was evaluated.

RESULTS

The administration of C. spinosa extract to the NASH model rodents significantly increased their adiponectin levels while substantially decreasing their levels of leptin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST). Hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation, and collagen deposition were significantly reduced by C. spinosa treatment. Furthermore, the hepatic mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, as well as the hepatic fibrogenic marker TGF-β1, was significantly reduced by C. spinosa treatment. The FENO exhibited a comparable pattern of response.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that C. spinosa has a positive anti-inflammatory effect and may protect the liver against hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis. These findings demonstrate the promising therapeutic potential of C. spinosa in the management of NASH.