An in vivo evaluation of the antifibrotic potential of inulin against bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/ijbms.2026.88153.19044

Abstract

Objective(s): Hepatic fibrosis is a major cause of liver-related mortality worldwide. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of inulin, a natural polysaccharide, in a rat model of cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).
Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (230–250 g) were randomly divided into six groups: control, sham, inulin (200 mg/kg), BDL, and BDL+ inulin (100 and 200 mg/kg). Inulin was orally administered for 30 days after BDL. Serum liver enzyme levels, bilirubin, and lipid profiles were measured. Liver tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress markers (GPx, MDA), fibrogenic mediators (TGF-β1, α-SMA) via immunohistochemistry, and FXR levels by ELISA. Histological changes were evaluated by ELISA and Masson’s trichrome staining.
Results: At 200 mg/kg, inulin significantly reversed the BDL-induced increases in serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), total bilirubin, and cholesterol (P<0.001 vs BDL group). Hepatic GPx and FXR levels were significantly increased (P<0.001 vs BDL group), while MDA levels were decreased (P<0.001 vs BDL group). Inulin markedly suppressed the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA (P<0.01 vs BDL group). Histopathological evaluation showed notable improvement in liver architecture, with reduced fibrosis and necrosis (P<0.001 vs BDL group). 
Conclusion: These findings suggest that inulin may exert antifibrotic effects through its anti-oxidant activity, ultimately reducing the expression of fibrogenic markers. This study presents strong histological evidence to support the hepatoprotective role of inulin.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

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Available Online from 06 January 2026

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