الفهرس 
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Abstract
This study was planned to investigate the possible protective effect of quercetin and the underlying mechanisms on cholestatic liver injury induced by bile duct ligation in rats.
The present work was carried out on 30 adult male albino rats weighing 150-250 grams which were divided into three groups:
Sham-operated group (SHAM, n=11): Rats in this group underwent all steps of surgical procedure like that of bile duct ligation group except ligation of bile duct and received distilled water daily in a dose of 1ml/Kg by gavage, starting from the 4th day of operation till the 28th day.
Bile duct-ligated group (BDL, n=9): Rats in this group underwent bile duct ligation and received distilled water daily in a dose of 1 ml/Kg by gavage, starting from the 4th day of operation till the 28th day.
Bile duct ligated quercetin-treated group (BDL-Q, n=10): Rats in this group underwent bile duct ligation then received daily 50 mg/Kg quercetin (dissolved in 1 ml distilled water) by gavage, starting from the 4th day of operation till the 28th day.
All rats were assessed for the changes in body weight; liver weight; spleen weight; serum levels of liver enzymes, namely aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); as well as serum levels of total proteins (TP). Liver tissue levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta- 1(TGF-β1) were measured. Histological changes in liver tissues including, inflammatory changes and collagen fibers deposition were also determined.
The results of this study revealed a significant increase in the final body weights compared to the initial body weights in both sham-operated group and BDL-Q group; however, it was not significantly altered in BDL group. The percentage of body weight gain was not significantly affected among the three study groups. Liver and spleen indices were significantly increased in BDL group compared to sham-operated group, and both were insignificantly decreased in BDL-Q group versus BDL rats.
Serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP were significantly increased associated with a significant decrease in TP in BDL group compared to sham-operated group. Quercetin treatment significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT and ALP, and elevated TP in BDL-Q group compared to BDL group, achieving those of the sham operated controls except for AST.
Moreover, liver tissue levels of MPO, TNF-α, TGF-β were significantly increased accompanied by a significant decrease in GPX in BDL group compared to sham-operated controls. Histological studies showed moderate inflammatory changes manifested as cellular infiltration, congestion, edema, and necrosis together with a significant increase in the percentage area of collagen fibers in livers of BDL versus sham operated group. Quercetin treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the liver tissue levels of MPO, TNF-α, TGF-β along with a significant increase in GPX in BDL-Q group compared to BDL. Also, histological studies demonstrated alleviation of the inflammatory changes associated with a significant decrease in the percentage area of collagen fibers in livers of BDL-Q rats compared to BDL group.
In conclusion, the results of the present study provide evidence that treatment with quercetin was effective in alleviating cholestasis induced liver injury. This hepatoprotective effect might be achieved via upregulating the liver antioxidant capacity and limiting the liver oxidative stress, inflammation as well as fibrosis.