Caffeic acid prevents liver damage and ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by CCI₄ in the rat

It has been postulated that during liver damage there is an arachidonic acid metabolism deflection toward lipoxygenase products and a simultaneous decrement of the synthesis of cytoprotective prostaglandins. Accordingly, we have demonstrated that leukotriene synthesis inhibition protects the liver from acute damage induced by CCI 4 . Thus, the aim of the present work was to study the effect of caffeic acid (a specific 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor) on liver cirrhosis induced by CCI 4 administration in the rat. Caffeic acid prevented significantly the increment of serum markers of liver damage, as well as lipid peroxidation and the depletion in glycogen content of the liver induced by chronic CCI 4 intoxication. Collagen content increased fivefold in the CCI 4 ‐treated rats. The group treated with the lipoxygenase inhibitor, in addition to CCI 4 , showed less collagen content than the group receiving only CCI 4 ( P ⩽ .05). Caffeic acid prevented liver damage significantly. The hepatoprotective effect of this compound could be attributed to its ability to inhibit 5‐lipoxygenase activity, and thus leukotriene production.