Amelioration of dyslipidemia and hepatic fibrosis by quercetin in comparison with silymarin

Dyslipidemia leads to chronic liver injury which in turn causes fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Quercetin, a flavonoid has been reported to have a therapeutic benefit in liver diseases. This study is designed to explore the effects of quercetin on dyslipidemia and hepatic fibrosis, comparing it with silymarin. Forty male wistar rats were divided into control, diseased and two treatment groups. Thioacetamide (TAA) was used to induce disease in the diseased and treatment groups through intraperitoneal injections twice a week for 6 weeks. The treatment groups received daily doses of quercetin and silymarin for the same duration. Results indicated that both quercetin and silymarin modulated the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, H.D.L., L.D.L. and V.L.D.L. compared to the diseased group. Gene analysis indicates that SMO, PTCH, SOCS3, IHH, SHH, HHIP, and Gli-3 were found to be statistically significant upregulated in diseased group, while remained stable in the treatment groups. Sudan black staining revealed abnormal deposition of phospholipids in the diseased group, but mild accumulation were observed in the quercetin and silymarin administered groups. In conclusion, quercetin demonstrated preventive potential by effectively stabilizing lipid profile, regulating gene expression related to fibrosis pathways and reducing abnormal lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes, with effects are comparable to those of silymarin.

Publication History

Article published online:
20 January 2025