Date fruits inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and modulate the expression of hepatocyte growth factor, cytochrome P450 2E1 and heme oxygenase-1 in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis

Abstract

Context: Date fruits have protective effects against liver fibrosis; however their anti-apoptotic effects have not been investigated.

Objective: To investigate the modulating effects of date fruits on pro- and anti-apoptotic markers, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in liver fibrosis. Materials and methods: Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for eight weeks. Date flesh extract (DFE) and pits extract (DPE) were taken daily concomitant with CCl₄. Hepatocyte apoptosis was determined by measuring the expression of Fas, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl2 and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Hepatic levels of HGF and CYP2E1 were determined.

Results: Treatment with DFE and DPE significantly attenuated the elevated levels of Fas, caspase 3, Bax and CYP2E1 induced by CCl₄. In addition, they alleviated the reduction in Bcl2, HGF and HO-1, the cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic factors in liver. Conclusions DFE and DPE treatment can ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

• Liver fibrosis
• apoptosis
• hepatocyte growth factor
• cytochrome P450 2E1
• casapase-3

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this article.

Funding

This work was funded by the National Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (MAARIFAH), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award number (11-MED- 2084–02).

Supplementary material available online