A human-type nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model with advanced fibrosis in rabbits.

ABSTRACT: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progresses to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which can lead to life-threatening liver failure and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to create a rabbit model of NASH with advanced fibrosis (almost cirrhosis) by feeding the animals a diet supplemented with 0.75% cholesterol and 12% corn oil. After 9 months of feeding with this diet, the rabbits showed high total cholesterol levels in serum and liver tissues in the absence of insulin resistance. The livers became whitish and nodular. In addition, the number of rabbit macrophage antigen-positive cells and the expression of mRNAs for inflammatory cytokines showed a significant increase. Moreover, fibrotic septa composed of collagens and alpha-smooth muscle actin-posi

SUBMITTER: Ogawa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2893659 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature