[Liver changes in protein malnutrition. An experimental study in rats]

It is known that protein malnutrition conditions the development of liver steatosis, and may be accompanied by fibrosis. Ito cells intervene in the fibrogenesis, converting to transitional cells and myofibroblasts. Some trace elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) act as co-factors, and zinc (Zn) acts as an inhibitor of a variety of enzymes involved in the collagen synthesis. This study analyzes the effects on the livers of 12 mate Wistar rats following two months administration of a hypoproteic (6%) isocaloric diet, comparing histomorphometric parameters (hepatocyte and nucleum area, total fat and fibrosis) and the liver content in Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn, with those in 12 control rats of similar age and sex. The experimental group revealed a significant reduction in hepatocyte nucleum area (p < 0.001), an increase in the ratio of hepatocyte cytoplasmatic and nucleum hepatocyte area, pronounced steatosis and slight fibrosis. No differences were found in Ito cell percentages. The experimental group showed a significant increase in liver content of Fe (p = 0.01) and a significant drop in Mn content (p < 0.01), Zn (p = 0.05) and Cu (p < 0.01). Liver iron content correlated significantly with total fat level (p = 0.03).