The protective and therapeutic effect of phenoxy-2-methyl-2-propionic acid on experimental fatty liver in rats

Abstract

In this study, the potential protective and therapeutic effect of phenoxy-2-methyl-2-propionic acid (PMPA) was investigated in rats with experimental hepatic steatosis induced by a carbon tetrachloride and paraffin liquid mixture (1:1). Forty Wistar albino rats were allocated to 4 groups with 10 rats in each. Group 1 was administered a saline solution; group 2 was administered the carbon tetrachloride and paraffin liquid mixture; group 3 was administered the carbon tetrachloride and paraffin liquid mixture and PMPA for 7 days; and in group 4, hepatic steatosis was created with the carbon tetrachloride and paraffin liquid mixture during the first 7 days, after which the rats were administered only PMPA during the last 7 days. All injections were done intraperitoneally. Blood samples were obtained from all rats and livers were extirpated before euthanasia. Blood parameters were found to be significantly different between the groups (P < 0.05). On histopathologic examination, grade 1 hepatic steatosis was observed in group 1; grade 3 hepatic steatosis and grade 2 portal fibrosis were observed in group 2; grade 2 hepatic fibrosis and grade 1 portal fibrosis were observed in group 3; and grade 1 hepatic steatosis was observed in group 4. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in the rats using a carbon tetrachloride and paraffin liquid mixture. Results indicated that PMPA has a limited protective effect and a superior therapeutic effect on hepatic steatosis.