Effect of carvacrol on IL-6/STAT3 pathway after partial hepatectomy in rat liver

Carvacrol is a component in the essential oil of Lamiaceae family. Beside its antihepatotoxic and hepatoprotective properties it is known to be a contribution to liver regeneration.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of carvacrol in rat liver regeneration after 70 % partial hepatectomy (PHx) through interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways.

In our study six groups were formed from 3-month old Wistar albino male rats. Group I and II were Sham operated; Group III and IV received 1 mL 0.9 % NaCl; and Group V and VI were the groups that were treated with 73 mg/kg carvacrol. Group III, IV, V, and VI animals underwent 68-70 % PHx. Dissection was performed 24 and 48 after surgical procedure. Serum Alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were determined. The liver regeneration rate (RR) was calculated. Histopathological analysis was performed by Hematoxylin(et)Eosin staining and the proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining in liver samples. In the liver, certain genes expressions in IL-6/STAT3 and MAPK pathways with RT-PCR analysis and protein expression with Western blot analysis were measured.

Carvacrol showed a positive effect on hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration 24 and 48 hours after PHx (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 39).