Hepatoprotective effects of Scoparone in an experimental mouse model of liver fibrosis

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Scoparone, a key ingredient isolated from Artemisia capillaris, has important therapeutic properties. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of systemic administration of Scoparone on liver fibrosis after the formation of liver fibrosis with Thioacetamide. In order to create a chronic fibrosis model, Swiss albino mice were injected intraperitoneally with Thioacetamide. Serum levels of AST and ALT were investigated in all groups, and TGF-β1, HGF and TNFAIP6 gene expressions from mRNA isolated from liver tissues were examined. According to our findings; ALT and AST levels of mouse serum samples in the fibrosis groups were significantly increased compared to the control, DMSO and Scoparone groups. It was observed that Scoparone injection in the fibrosis group decreased ALT and AST levels, but there was no statistically significant difference. While HGF gene expression was found to be significantly higher in liver mRNA samples in which Scoparone treatment was applied to the fibrous group, compared to all other groups, Scoparone injection to the fibrotic subjects caused a decrease in TGF-β1 gene expression (p<0.05). Injection of Scoparone into the liver fibrosis group caused a decrease in TNFAIP6 levels, but this decrease was not statistically significant. In conclusion; although scoparone does not completely regress fibrosis, it has been found to be beneficial and this is reflected in molecular analyzes. However, further studies are needed to determine the effect of different doses, to clarify its molecular mechanisms and targets, and to elucidate its toxicity.