Abstract
Context: Date fruits have protective effects against liver fibrosis; however their anti-apoptotic effects have not been investigated.
Objective: To investigate the modulating effects of date fruits on pro- and anti-apoptotic markers, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in liver fibrosis. Materials and methods: Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl
4
) for eight weeks. Date flesh extract (DFE) and pits extract (DPE) were taken daily concomitant with CCl
4
. Hepatocyte apoptosis was determined by measuring the expression of Fas, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl2 and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Hepatic levels of HGF and CYP2E1 were determined.
Results: Treatment with DFE and DPE significantly attenuated the elevated levels of Fas, caspase 3, Bax and CYP2E1 induced by CCl
4
. In addition, they alleviated the reduction in Bcl2, HGF and HO-1, the cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic factors in liver. Conclusions DFE and DPE treatment can ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.