Abstract

Aim: Ibuprofen (IBU), a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, may cause hepatotoxicity and fibrosis with prolonged or high-dose use. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a natural antioxidant, has shown protective effects against oxidative stress and liver injury. This study evaluated the potential therapeutic role of ALA in IBU-induced liver fibrosis.
Methods: Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Control, Sham (corn oil), IBU (200 mg/kg, 21 days), IBU+ALA (IBU for 21 days followed by ALA 100 mg/kg for 7 days), and ALA (100 mg/kg for 7 days). Liver tissue was analyzed histopathologically with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, and immunohistochemically for TLR-4, TGF-β, and α-SMA expression. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA, Tukey’s test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: IBU caused significant hydropic degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, and perivascular collagen accumulation compared to controls (p

Key words: Ibuprofen; Alpha-lipoic acid; Fibrosis; Rat