Protective effects of cilostazol via the HNF1α/FXR signalling pathway and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in a rat model of estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Hassan M.; Salem M.B.; Hammam O.A.; ElZallat M.

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Nature Research

Publication Date: 1 October 2024

Volume / Issue: Volume 14 / Issue 1

Article No.: 22751

ISSN: 20452322

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72729-w

Scopus: View on Scopus

PubMed: 39349582

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access


Authors and Affiliations

Hassan M., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Giza, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 12411, Egypt; Salem M.B., Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Giza, El-Nile St., Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 12411, Egypt; Hammam O.A., Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Giza, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 12411, Egypt; ElZallat M., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Giza, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 12411, Egypt


Abstract

Currently, there is a lack of targeted medications for estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis (EIC) and the primary objective in managing this condition is to safeguard liver function. Consequently, this study was conducted to examine the pharmacological efficacy of cilostazol (CTZ) in the management of EIC and explore its underlying mechanisms through the use of an animal model. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of six animals each: Normal group, 17-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis group, EE + ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-treated group, EE + CTZ (5 mg/kg)-treated group, and EE + CTZ (10 mg/kg)-treated group. It was found that the therapeutic efficacy of UDCA and low dosage of CTZ (5 mg/kg) was comparable. Nevertheless, when CTZ was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, it resulted in the normalization of all liver function parameters, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory markers, together with improvement in the histopathological derangements and hepatocytic apoptosis. These effects were mediated through the activation of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1α)/Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathway with subsequent down-regulation of the bile acids (BAs) synthesis enzyme; cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and up-regulation of the BAs-metabolizing enzyme; cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A1 and the bile salt export pump; BSEP. Therefore, the administration of CTZ in a dose-dependent manner can protect against EIC through regulating the HNF1α/FXR pathway and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. This implies that CTZ exhibits considerable promise as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of cholestatic liver disorders. © The Author(s) 2024.


Keywords

Apoptosis; Cilostazol; CYP7A1; HNF1α/FXR pathway; Intrahepatic cholestasis; Animals; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic; Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase; Disease Models, Animal; Estrogens; Ethinyl Estradiol; Female; Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 1-alpha; Liver; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Signal Transduction; Ursodeoxycholic Acid; cholesterol 7alpha monooxygenase; estrogen; ethinylestradiol; hepatocyte nuclear factor 1alpha; protective agent; animal; disease model; drug effect; drug therapy; genetics; metabolism; pathology; rat; Sprague Dawley rat


Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 6


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