Effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor on liver function and tissue in rats with hepatic hydatidosis

Objective To investigate the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor on liver function and tissue in rats with hepatic hydatidosis. Methods A model of liver echinococcosis was established in 100 female Wistar rats, 60 of 100 were, randomly divided into three groups, Control group (0.3 ml normal saline), Low dose group (50 μmol/L p38MAPK inhibitor SB-202190), High dose group (100 μmol/L SB-202190B). The reagents were given via the hepatic artery 1, 3, 7, 14 and 42 days after the rat model was generated. Rats were sacrificed 42 days after the intervention, liver tissue and blood samples were collected for liver function study. Results Alanine aminotransferase levels were (49.58±2.38) U/L, (38.35±1.34) U/L and (30.93±1.51) U/L and aspartic aminotransferase levels were (67.45±5.14) U/L, (54.86±1.09) U/L and (45.76±1.04) U/L in the Control group, the Low-dose group and High-dose group, showing a decreasing trend, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Triglycerides in the Low-dose group were higher than those in Control group and the High-dose group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). In the Control group, the hepatocytes were severely injured, with almost no normal hepatocytes left, and the normal hepatocyte boundaries were also disrupted, he normal hepatic lobule was replaced by the pseudolobules. In the Low-dose group, there were more inflammatory cells, and less replacement of normal liver cells by pseudolobules. High dose group of a small amount of inflammatory cells infiltration, roughly normal liver cells, normal liver cell line is clear, visible central vein of liver cells. Conclusion p38MAPK inhibitor SB-202190 improved liver function and reduced liver tissue damage in rats with hepatic hydatidosis. Key words: Echinococcosis, hepatic; P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases; Inhibitors; Liver function