The Therapeutic Effects of Baicalein on the Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in the Rat Model of Chronic Common Bile Duct Ligation

Abstract

Background and Aims Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is characterized by arterial oxygenation defects due to pulmonary vascular dilation in liver disease. To date, liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment for HPS. This study aimed to explore the preventative role of baicalein in HPS development. Methods Sixty male rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham, common bile duct ligation (CBDL), and baicalein, receiving intraperitoneal injections of baicalein (40 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 , diluted in saline) for 21 days. Survival rate, liver and kidney function, and bile acid metabolism levels were evaluated. Liver and lung angiogenesis and hepatic glycogen staining were assessed, and the expression of relevant proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Baicalein improved survival rates and hypoxemia in rats post-CBDL, reducing angiogenic protein levels and enhancing glucose homeostasis. Compared to the untreated group, baicalein suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factors, matrix metalloprotease 9 and C-X-C motif chemokine 2, and it increased the expression of glycemic regulatory proteins, including dipeptidyl peptidase-4, sirtuin 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α, and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3. Conclusion Baicalein significantly improves hepatic function and hypoxia in HPS rats by attenuating pathological angiogenesis in the liver and lungs, showing promise as a treatment for HPS.