Effects of lexipafant (BB-882), a platelet activating factor receptor antagonist, on liver damage due to bile duct ligation in rats

Background and study aims : Extrahepatic cholestasis is one of the main factors causing liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of lexipafant (BB-882), a platelet activating factor receptor antagonist, on liver damage in rats with bile duct ligation. Methods : A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 160- 190 g were used in this study. Group 1 (Sham-control, n = 10) rats were undergone laparotomy alone and bile duct was just dissected from the surrounding tissue. Group 2 rats (BDL/Untreated, n = 10) were subjected to bile duct ligation and no drug was applied. Group 3 rats (BDL/BB-882, n = 10) received a daily dose of BB-882 intra- peritoneally for 14 days after BDL. At the end of the two-week period, biochemical and histological evaluation was processed. Results : The mean serum bilirubin and liver enzymes level signifi- cantly decreased, and Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase values were significantly increased in BDL/BB-882 group when compared to BDL/Untreated group. The histopathological score was significantly less in the BDL/BB-882 group compared to the BDL/Untreated rats. In the BDL/BB-882 group was observed less fibrosis and neutrophil infiltration Conclusions : These results suggest that BB-882 (lexipafant) may reduce the severity of the inflammatory response to liver injury pro- duced by bile duct ligation in rats. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2006, 69, 197-202).