Investigation of the protective effects of maresin-1 on liver damage in rats with experimental obstructive jaundice

AIM: Bile stasis occurs with obstructive jaundice as a result of biliary obstruction. As a result, many organs, especially the liver, are affected and multiple organ damage develops. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Maresin1, a pro-solubilizer that mediates the resolution of inflammation by reducing neutrophil infiltration without causing immunosuppression, on the liver in experimental obstructive jaundice, aiming to slow down the pathological processes. MATERIALS and METHODS: A total of 21 rats were randomly divided into three groups. Sham group underwent laparotomy, bile ducts were dissected and closed. In the vehicle group, bile ducts were dissected, ligated and cut, and intraperitoneal dimethyl sulfoxide was administered for 14 days. The Mar1 group underwent the same surgical procedure as the vehicle group and received Maresin1 intraperitoneally for 14 days. The changes of Maresin1 on aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, 5'nucleotidase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, peroxynitrite, malondialdehyde, ischemia modified albumin, kelch like ECH associated protein1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 values were analyzed. Histopathologically, they were analyzed according to the histological activity index consisting of portal inflammation, interphase hepatitis, focal necrosis, confluent necrosis and fibrosis. RESULTS: Maresin1 significantly improved all biochemical parameters except ischemia-modified albumin. Ischemia-modified albumin values were also improved, but this improvement was not statistically significant. In pathologic examinations, improvement was also seen in all parameters in the Mar1 group, but this improvement was statistically significant in terms of portal inflammation, confluent necrosis and fibrosis score. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that Maresin1 has hepatoprotective effects in obstructive jaundice by reducing inflammation and tissue damage. Our study is the first study to demonstrate the protective effects of Maresin1 on obstructive jaundice. Key words: Biliary atresia, Keap1, Maresin1, Nrf2, Obstructive jaundice