Potential Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs on CCl4 Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Abstract

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a hall mark of chronic liver diseases such as chronic HCV. Direct acting antiviral (DAA) regimens such as Sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DAC) have been found to be associated with decreased fibrotic markers in HCV patients. It is not clear however the reported antifibrotic effect is antiviral dependent or not. Aim: This study investigated the effect of SOF and DAC in hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. Method: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by (0.5 ml/kg) CCl4 IP twice a week for six weeks. SOF (20 mg/kg/d) and DAC (30 mg/kg/d) were added in the last four weeks of treatments. Liver functions, fibrotic markers such as Hyaluronic acid and metalloproteinase-9 were detected using immunoassay. Liver tissues were examined by different stains. Results: SOF and DAC induced marked inhibitions in fibrotic markers expression significantly (P≤0.001). Moreover, the drugs protected liver tissues from progressed fibrosis. Conclusion: SOF/DAC antifibrotic effect is independent on its antiviral activity.