Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Role of Diosmin in a Rat Model of Thioacetamide-induced Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation that impairs hepatic function. Diosmin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, has shown promising antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties in various models. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of diosmin against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 each): control, TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, three times per week), diosmin (50 mg/kg/day, oral) and TAA + diosmin. Treatments lasted for 6 weeks. Liver function, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis were assessed using standard biochemical assays, ELISA and histological evaluation with hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's trichrome.

TAA significantly impaired liver function, indicated by increased AST, ALT and ALP levels and decreased albumin. It also induced oxidative stress, reflected by increased NO and MDA levels and decreased levels of GSH, GPx, GR, SOD and CAT. Inflammatory markers including IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB were elevated, while apoptotic indicators showed an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and enhanced caspase-3 activity. Diosmin co-treatment improved liver function, restored antioxidant status, reduced inflammatory mediators and regulated apoptotic markers. Histological findings supported these results by showing reduced fibrosis and preserved liver architecture. These findings suggest that diosmin effectively protects against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, warranting further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.