Protective effects of emodin on lung injuries in rat models of liver fibrosis

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of emodin (EMD) on the lung injuries in the rat models of liver fibrosis.MethodsLiver fibrosis was established in rats and the effect of intervention using EMD treatment was determined. Liver and lung weight coefficients were measured and lung content of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor α), MDA (malondialdehyde), NO (nitric oxide), and ONOO- (peroxynitrite) were determined. Finally, histopathological changes were evaluated.ResultsCompared with the normal control group, the lung weight coefficient was significantly increased in the fibrosis model group. Moreover, pulmonary edema and inflammatory responses were observed. Levels of TNF-α, MDA, NO, and ONOO- in the lung homogenate were significantly increased in the fibrosis model group. After EMD treatment, the lung weight coefficients were significantly reduced. Moreover, pathological changes in the lung tissue were dramatically alleviated. Levels of TNF-α, MDA, NO, and ONOO- were significantly decreased.ConclusionEMD exhibits protective effects against lung injuries in a rat model of liver fibrosis.

Advances in bio-active constituents, pharmacology and clinical applications of rhubarb

“…Anthraquinones showed stronger improvement on liver fibrosis and liver cell injury than tannins, and high dose tannins may injury liver in some extent [ 46 ]. Rhubarb and its free anthraquinones are also investigated in hepatic encephalopathy [ 47 ], liver fibrosis [ 48 , 49 ], intrahepatic cholestasis [ 50 ] and so on.…”