Purpose: This study was aimed to develop a DMN-induced liver fibrosis model in rats and to evaluate effects of hMSC on the model.
Methods: DMN was given i.p. to SD rats 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. hMSC was injected at the day after the last DMN treatment. Blood was collected once a week to perform blood biochemistry test. Liver was removed from week 3 to 6 to observe the content of fibrosis and to perform histopathological examination.
Results: DMN treated rats showed a progressive increase in plasma ASAT, ALAT, γGT, Tbil and hyaluronan from week 1 to 4, a significant decrease in plasma Alb and a significant increase in plasma ALP, a significant increase in fibrosis area ratio and hydroxyproline of liver compared to the non-treatment rats. Histopathological examination indicated DMN induced inflammation and liver fibrosis from 3^rd week after start of DMN treatment. Administration of hMSC did not affect the model rats under the present conditions.
Conclusion: A rat liver fibrosis model was developed under the present study conditions and the model can be reproduced consistently within a relatively short period of time and can be used to assess the drug efficacy of potential anti-fibrotic agents.