BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has a pivotal role in liver fibrogenesis. Curcumin effectively prevent the progression of liver fibrosis through inhibition of TGF-β1/Sma and drosophila MAD (Smad) signaling pathway. However, the role of curcumin in the regression of liver fibrosis is still unknown. This study investigated the role of curcumin and TGF-β1 in liver fibrosis regression.METHODS: An experimental Wistar rat model included 6 treatment groups as well as positive and negative control groups. The treatment and positive control groups were injected with carbon tetrachlorid (CCl4) for 9 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. After cessation of injection, 3 of the treatment groups were given curcumin and 3 were given carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) for 2, 5 and 9 weeks, while the positive control was untreated. The negative control was injected with normal saline. TGF-β1 liver tissue levels were analyzed by ELISA, while the TGF-β1 expression in liver cells was analyzed by immunohistochemical assay. The metavir score was used to assess the degree of liver fibrosis. Values of p<0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.RESULTS: Nine weeks of CCl4 injection induced liver fibrosis (metavir F3); and significantly increased TGF-β1 levels and expression in tissues (p=0.00, p=0.021, respectively). Curcumin administration decreased levels and expression of TGF-β1 in the liver and accelerated regression of liver fibrosis. There was a significant correlation between duration of administration of curcumin with an expression of TGF-β1 in the liver tissue (r=0.87; p<0.00).CONCLUSION: Curcumin accelerates regression of liver fibrosis, likely through decreasing of TGF-β1 expression in the liver.KEYWORDS: curcumin, TGF-β1, liver fibrosis regression, CCl4, animal model

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation at pancreas that can be caused by biliary tract disease, alcohol and metabolic disorder. We presented a 20 years old male with acute pancreatitis, he was obese and had history of alcohol abuse came with severe abdominal pain. There is increasing amylase and lipase level, and his abdominal CT scan showed infiltrate peripancreatic, mesenteric, and left anterior pararenal space, hepatomegaly and mild ascites. Patient was given supportive treatment such as parenteral nutrition, analgetic, PPI, and also octreotide. With proper diagnosis and optimal treatment, patient was successfully treated without any complication.