Pine Pollen Extract For Liver Health

Anti-Fibrotic Effects of Masson Pine Pollen Aqueous Extract on Hepatic Fibrosis in a Rat Model

Authors: Tao Cong, Xue-Yuan Jin, Lin Zhao, Long Ma, Rui-Sheng Li, Ping Zhao, Chang-Jiang Guo

Introduction

Hepatic fibrosis, a pathological response to chronic liver injury, is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen. This study explores the anti-fibrotic properties of Masson Pine Pollen aqueous extract (MPPAE) in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis rat model, investigating its potential as a therapeutic intervention.

Objective

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of Masson Pine Pollen aqueous extract (MPPAE) in a hepatic fibrosis model induced by CCl4 in rats.

Methodology

• Study Design: Rats were divided into five groups: the control group (CG), hepatic fibrosis model group (MG), low-dose MPPAE group (LG), high-dose MPPAE group (HG), and a group treated with Masson Pine Pollen original powder (OG). All groups followed specific treatment protocols and were sacrificed after eight weeks for evaluation.
• Treatment Protocols:
• Control Group (CG): Received a saline solution.
• Model Group (MG): Received 40% CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis.
• Low-Dose Group (LG): Received 40% CCl4 and MPPAE at a concentration of 20 mg/mL.
• High-Dose Group (HG): Received 40% CCl4 and MPPAE at 100 mg/mL.
• Original Powder Group (OG): Received 40% CCl4 and Masson Pine Pollen original powder (MPPOP) dissolved in double-distilled water at 100 mg/mL.
• Tests Conducted:
• Liver index and serum transaminases (AST, ALT, ALP) were measured.
• Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissue were performed.
• Hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver tissues was assessed to quantify collagen deposition.
• Antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in liver samples.
• Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) were measured.
• Real-time PCR was used to analyze gene expression related to fibrosis and inflammation.

Results

• Impact on Weight, Liver Weight, and Liver Index:
• Control Group (CG): Displayed normal liver structure with minimal collagen deposition.
• Model Group (MG): Exhibited severe hepatic fibrosis, ballooning degeneration, and marked collagen fiber proliferation.
• Low- and High-Dose MPPAE Groups (LG and HG): Showed significant improvement in liver condition with reduced fibrosis compared to the MG group.
• Impact on Serum Biochemical Parameters:
• The MG group demonstrated a significant increase in AST and ALT levels, indicative of liver damage.
• MPPAE treatment (both LG and HG) significantly reduced ALT and AST levels, suggesting hepatoprotective effects.
• Histopathological Examination:
• Control Group: Normal liver architecture.
• Model Group: Severe fibrosis with collagen bridging and disruption of normal liver structure.
• Treatment Groups (LG, HG, OG): Substantial reduction in fibrosis and restoration of nearly normal hepatic cords.
• Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Enzymes:
• MPPAE treatment significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) levels, markers of oxidative stress.
• Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was also elevated in MPPAE-treated groups, reflecting improved antioxidant defense mechanisms.
• Gene Expression:
• MPPAE treatment resulted in the downregulation of key fibrogenic and inflammatory genes, including transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), in a dose-dependent manner.
• Collagen Protein Content:
• The collagen content in liver tissues, a hallmark of fibrosis, was significantly reduced in the MPPAE-treated groups, further supporting the extract's anti-fibrotic properties.

Research Significance

This study highlights the significant anti-fibrotic effects of Masson Pine Pollen aqueous extract (MPPAE) in a CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model. MPPAE’s efficacy appears to stem from its ability to enhance antioxidant defense systems, inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, regulate cytokine expression, and promote extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. These findings suggest MPPAE as a promising natural therapeutic agent for managing hepatic fibrosis, a condition often associated with chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.

Conclusion

The results of this study underscore the potential of Masson Pine Pollen aqueous extract (MPPAE) as an effective natural intervention in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. By bolstering antioxidant defenses, inhibiting hepatic stellate cell proliferation, and regulating collagen synthesis, MPPAE offers a multifaceted approach to reducing liver fibrosis. Its ability to modulate gene expression associated with fibrosis and inflammation further supports its therapeutic potential.

Given the rising incidence of liver diseases and fibrosis, the use of MPPAE as a natural, plant-based treatment holds promise. Future studies, particularly clinical trials in human subjects, are necessary to validate these findings and explore the long-term safety and efficacy of MPPAE in the management of hepatic fibrosis.

Citation

Tao, C., Jin, X.-Y., Zhao, L., Ma, L., Li, R.-S., Zhao, P., & Guo, C.-J. (2015). Anti-fibrotic effects of the Masson pine pollen aqueous extract on hepatic fibrosis rat model. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, 8(5), 4651-4661. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4503027/.