Abstract
Abstract Background and Aim: Portal hypertension (PHT) is a frequent sequel of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Propranolol is commonly used for lowering portal pressure and preventing variceal bleeding. The hepato-protective effect of ginger has been reported. The aim of this study is to assess the effects and interactions of ginger and propranolol in prehepatic PHT in male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male albino rats were divided into 3 main groups. The first group: control rats. The second group: sham-operated rats and third group: pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats induced by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). The third group is subdivided into subgroup: untreated-PPVL group and subgroups 2-6 were treated with propranolol 75 mg/Kg; ginger 90 mg/kg; 180 mg/Kg; ginger 90 mg/kg plus propranolol 75 mg/kg, and ginger 180 mg/kg plus propranolol 75 mg/kg, respectively. The portal pressure was measured in all groups then rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for estimation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels then hepatic as well as gastro-intestinal tissues were obtained for histopathological examination. Results: Ginger, propranolol and in combinations decreased the elevated portal pressure and histopathological score in the liver and esophagus. Administration of ginger and ginger-propranolol combinations decreased the latter score in stomach and intestine as well as the ALT level while AP level was reduced by ginger 90 mg/kg alone and in combination with propranolol. Conclusion: Ginger and propranolol had protective effects against PHT and the related hepatic as well as esophageal histopathological changes. Ginger and ginger-propranolol combinations reduced ALT and AP levels as well as histopathological scores of stomach and intestine.
Highlights
Portal hypertension (PHT) plays an important role in the natural history of cirrhosis, and is associated with several clinical consequences [1]
Administration of ginger and ginger-propranolol combinations decreased the latter score in stomach and intestine as well as the ALT level while alkaline phosphatase (AP) level was reduced by ginger 90 mg/kg alone and in combination with propranolol
There were no significant differences between propranolol, ginger and the combination groups. (Table 3)
Summary
Portal hypertension (PHT) plays an important role in the natural history of cirrhosis, and is associated with several clinical consequences [1]. It is an increase in pressure in portal vein and its tributaries and patients with portal pressure above 12 mm Hg are prone to the development of complications [2]. Partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) is one of the most commonly used methods in induction of pre-hepatic PHT. Propranolol decreases portal pressure by decreasing cardiac output (β1 blocking action) and prevent splanchnic vasodilatation (β2 blocking effect) [6]. Propranolol is commonly used for lowering portal pressure and preventing variceal bleeding. The aim of this study is to assess the effects and interactions of ginger and propranolol in prehepatic PHT in male albino rats
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