Tissues Of Male Wistar Rats Research Articles

Cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos raises serum urea level and causes abnormal sperm morphology in Wistar rats

Chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and cypermethrin (pyrethroid) are insecticides, which are widely used for agricultural as well as for domestic purposes. This study investigated the toxicological effect of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on selected organs and tissues of male Wistar rats. Nine (9) male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into three and were orally given chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin, while the control group was given distilled water for 28 days. The results revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in rat serum AST activity for the chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin groups. Also, there was significant elevation in serum urea following oral exposure to either chlorpyrifos or cypermethrin. Conversely, a reduction in the rat liver ALP activity for treatment with cypermethrin or chlorpyrifos was recorded. The histology results revealed that the administration of chlorpyrifos but not cypermethrin for 28 days has no significant effect on the biochemical properties and sperm morphology of the rats. Taken together, findings indicate that cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos exposure in rats predisposes to renal injury, while altering sperm morphology.

Toxic effect of alpha cypermethrin, an environmental pollutant, on myocardial tissue in male wistar rats

α-Cypermethrin (CYP) is a pyrethroid insecticide-like environmental pollutant, widely found in the environment. New research links exposure to high levels of CYP to health damage; however, little is known about the effect of CYP on cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, for the first time, biochemical and cardiovascular changes in male rats resulting from subchronic CYP exposure. The animals were divided into three groups: group 1 served as the control, group 2 (CYP1) received 4mg/kg of CYP by gavage, and group 3 (CYP2) received 8mg/kg of CYP by gavage, for 8weeks each. Results showed that both CYP1 and CYP2 markedly increased plasma concentrations of cardiac markers (LDH, CK-MB, and troponin-T). Moreover, compared to the control group, CYP treatment elevated cardiac oxidative stress, as shown by increased MDA level and decreased activity of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. In addition, CYP2 caused a significant increase of 42% the concentration of total cholesterol and more than 75% in triglycerides compared to the control group. Furthermore, DNA fragmentation and collagen deposition were both amplified owing to CYP toxicity. This harmful effect was confirmed by a histological study using H-E and Sirius Red staining. Overall, our results clearly proved the cardiotoxicity caused by α-cypermethrin.

The Effect of Astaxanthin on Glutathione Levels in Damaged Liver Tissues of Male Wistar Rats Induced By Oral Formaldehyde

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Morphologic and Morphometric Parameters of the Liver Tissue of Laboratory Animals After Modeling of Chronic Stress

Objective: to study changes in the morphologic and morphometric parameters of the liver tissue in male Wistar rats under chronic Ortiz stress. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 50 male Vistor rats. The experimental group of the animals was subjected to 10-day chronic stress by Ortiz. The morphologic and morphometric parameters of the liver tissue of the animals exposed to chronic stress were studied. Results. The morphologic changes in the liver of the animals which had sustained chronic stress were characterized by impaired blood circulation and degenerative changes of hepatocytes. At the same time, a statistically significant increase in the percentage of binuclear hepatocytes (p = 0.046) and functional cariocellular index (p = 0.03) was found. Conclusion. The effect of chronic stress leads to a change in the morphologic and morphometric parameters of the liver tissue with activation of reparative processes.

Antioxidant Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Extract and Protective Effect of its Leaf Extract on Ethanol-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats

Introduction: Acute alcohol consumption leads to induction of lipid peroxidation in renal tissues, but its chronic consumption has moderate effects on biochemical and histological characteristics of this organ. Antioxidants have protective effects against ethanol-induced oxidative stress and tissue injury. The aim of this study was to assess antioxidant activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf and stem extracts and the protective effect of its leaf extract on ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials & methods: Total phenol and flavonoid contents of leaf and stem extracts of G. glabra were measured by Folin Ciocalteu and AlCl3 assays, respectively. Antioxidant activity of both extracts was assessed using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging. In addition, protective effect of the leaf extract was assessed using biochemical and histological analyses of renal tissues of male Wistar rats, which were divided into four groups including group 1 or control (received 1 ml distilled water daily), group 2 or ethanol group (received 1 ml of 50% ethanol daily), group 3 or ethanol + leaf extract group (received 1 ml of 50% ethanol + 500 mg/kg leaf extract daily), and group 4 (received 500 mg/kg of leaf extract daily). All treatments are performed through intragastric administration. Biochemical and histological analyses were used for the evaluation of nephrotoxicity. For histological study, the samples were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and examined by light microscopy. Finally, all the data were analyzed by SPSS (Ver. 20) and grouped by Duncan's Multiple Range Test at P less-than 0.05 level. Findings: There was no significant difference between total phenol contents of the stem and leaf extracts. However, the stem extract showed a higher total flavonoid content than the leaf extract. Also, both the extracts showed higher antioxidant activities (86-93%) than that of ascorbic acid (71%). Results from biochemical analysis indicated a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and H2O2 content in the renal tissues of ethanol-treated rats in comparison with other groups; however, there were no significant changes in total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Results from histological examination showed that alcohol consumption intensity injured kidney tissues, which was effectively moderated by the studied extract. Discussion & Conclusions: Results from the present study showed that G. glabra extract has biological activity and can be used in future as a new natural antioxidant in food and drug industries.

Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Vitex Doniana on Cadmium Chloride-Induced Toxicity in Kidney and Liver Tissues of Male Wistar Rats

Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Vitex Doniana on Cadmium Chloride-Induced Toxicity in Kidney and Liver Tissues of Male Wistar Rats

Studying the toxicity of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles in male Wister rats

Background: With the spread of nanotechnology, various nanoparticles with new and emerging properties have been produced and the potential toxic effects of the majority of these particles remains still unknown. The present study was conducted to determine the toxicity of Molybdenum Trioxide nanoparticles in blood and body tissues of male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats with an average weight of 200±10 g were included in the present experimental study; the rats were divided into three groups of control, low dose intervention and high dose intervention. Nano-trioxide molybdenum was injected at 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight for 28 days; then, blood samples and rats organs were collected to measure the molybdenum content. Molybdenum concentration was measured by atomic absorption method. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 20) and appropriate statistical methods including one-way ANOVA were used in order to compare the mean of blood variables among the groups. Results: The results showed that decreasing hematocrit (p <0.001), hemoglobin (p <0.001), and red and white blood cells (p <0.01) in rates receiving 10 mg of Molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles was significantly higher than that among rates in the other two groups. The mean degradation of molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles in the liver and kidneys was significantly higher than the heart and stomach (p <0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles at high concentrations had a more toxic effect on blood and serum parameters in comparison with the low concentrations.

Effects of telmisartan and losartan on irradiated testes

AimsTo analyze the effects of radiation on the reproductive tissue of male Wistar rats and to evaluate whether treatment with the Ang II AT1 receptor antagonists telmisartan and losartan mitigate the dysfunctions resulting from this exposure. Main methodsRats were randomly divided into groups: Control, Irradiated, Telmisartan, Losartan, Irradiated+Telmisartan, and Irradiated+Losartan. Single dose of 5Gy was administered directly into the scrotum, followed by treatment with telmisartan (12mg/kg/day) or losartan (34mg/kg/two times/day) for 60days. Testicular function parameters were evaluated from spermatozoa of the vas deferens. Testes were processed for histopathological and morphometric-stereological analysis. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry was evaluated. Key findingsRadiation significantly reduced sperm motility, concentration, vitality, and increased the number of abnormal spermatozoa. Telmisartan and losartan did not significantly prevent these radiation-induced disorders. Seminiferous tubules were atrophied in both untreated and treated irradiated testes, and exhibited vacuoles, increased interstitial tissue and high number of blood vessels. However, several seminiferous tubules in recuperation were founded among damaged tubules in the testes of treated animals. The PCNA immunohistochemistry confirmed these outcomes. PCNA-positive cells were detected in dividing spermatogonia and spermatocytes from irradiated telmisartan and losartan treated rats whereas in the only-irradiated group, PCNA staining was observed in the nuclei of only the surviving spermatogonia. SignificanceUnder these experimental conditions, the testicular function parameters showed that radiation produced marked damage that was not reversed by treatments. However, gonadal restructuring and recovery of spermatogenesis in treated animals may to reflect attenuation of radiation-induced damages and potential start of recovery.

Effect of single and repeated heat stress on chemical signals of heat shock response cascade in the rat's heart.

Exposure to sublethal heat stress activates a complex cascade of signaling events, such as activators (NO), signal molecules (PKCε), and mediators (HSP70 and COX-2), leading to implementation of heat preconditioning, an adaptive mechanism which makes the organism more tolerant to additional stress. We investigated the time frame in which these chemical signals are triggered after heat stress (41 ± 0.5°С/45min), single or repeated (24 or 72h after the first one) in heart tissue of male Wistar rats. The animals were allowed to recover 24, 48 or 72h at room temperature. Single heat stress caused a significant increase of the concentration of HSP70, NO, and PKC level and decrease of COX-2 level 24h after the heat stress, which in the next course of recovery gradually normalized. The second heat stress, 24h after the first one, caused a significant reduction of the HSP70 levels, concentration of NO and PKCɛ, and significant increase of COX-2 concentration. The second exposure, 72h after the first heat stress, caused more expressive changes of HSP70 and NO in the 24h-recovery groups. The level of PKCɛ was not significantly changed, but there was significantly increased COX-2 concentration during recovery. Serum activity of AST, ALT, and CK was reduced after single exposure and increased after repeated exposure to heat stress, in both time intervals. In conclusion, a longer period of recovery (72h) between two consecutive sessions of heat stress is necessary to achieve more expressive changes in mediators (HSP70) and triggers (NO) of heat preconditioning.

Melatonin protects against chromium (VI) induced hepatic oxidative stress and toxicity: Duration dependent study with realistic dosage.

The present study was undertaken to assess the degree of oxidative stress and toxic effects induced by chromium on hepatic tissue in male Wistar rats exposed to a realistic dosage of Cr(VI) (20 mg/kg/b.w./day) through drinking water, based on the levels of these metals found in the environment, for a duration of 15, 30 and 60 days. The protective effect of melatonin (10 mg/kg) was also studied by simultaneous administration with the metal. Levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as lipid peroxidation were assessed. There was a significant decrease in enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants and an increase in the lipid peroxidation level, which were prevented and maintained at near-normal levels by the administration of melatonin in all treatment periods. Metal accumulation was maximal at 15 days, with gradual decreases till 60 days. Histopathological observations also demonstrated the fact that Cr (VI) exposure leads to cytological lesions in the hepatic tissue promoting cellular necrotic/apoptotic changes, while melatonin was able to counteract insults induced by Cr (VI) at all treatment periods. It also prevented alterations in insulin and glucose levels. Overall, the present study suggests a duration-dependent effect of Cr on hepatic oxidative stress and cytotoxicity and shows the potent activity of melatonin in preventing the negative effects of Cr (VI).

The peripheral quantitative computed tomographic and densitometric analysis of skeletal tissue in male Wistar rats after chromium sulfate treatment.

This study evaluates the effects of three different doses of chromium sulphate on bone density and the tomographic parameters of skeletal tissue of rats. The experiment was performed on 40 male Wistar rats which received, by gavage, during 90 days, a chromium sulphate in either a daily dose of 400, 600 or 800 µg/kg BW. At the end of experiment, the rats were scanned using the densitometry method (DXA) to determine the bone mineral density, bone mineral content of total skeleton and vertebral column (L2-L4) and parameters of body composition (Lean Mass and Fat Mass). The isolated femora were scanned using peripheral a quantitative computed tomography method (pQCT) for a separate analysis of the trabecular and cortical bone tissue. The ultimate strength, work to ultimate and the Young modulus of femora was also investigated by the three-point bending test. The negative impact of chromium was observed in relation to bone tissue. All doses significantly decreased total skeleton density and mineral content, and also had impact upon the isolated femora and vertebral column. Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density and trabecular bone mineral content measured by pQCT in distal femur metaphysis were significantly lower in the experimental groups than in the control. Higher doses of chromium also significantly decreased values of ultimate strength and Young modulus in the investigated femora. The results of the experiment demonstrate that chromium sulphate is dose dependent, and exerts a disadvantageous effect on the skeleton, as it decreases bone density and resistance.

Immediate and residual effects of low-dose nandrolone decanoate and treadmill training on adipose and reproductive tissues of male Wistar rats

Context: Residual effects after nandrolone decanoate (ND) treatment are not reported. Objective: Immediate and residual effects of low-dose ND and treadmill training were investigated. Materials and methods: Male rats were trained and/or ND-treated for four weeks and the assessments were made after this period or four weeks later. Results: The groups did not differ in final plasma glucose or AUC of the ivGTT, but hyperinsulinemia was noticed in some trained/treated groups. Training with ND increased muscle mass and ND decreased the reproductive structures. Decreased fat with training was reversed by detraining. Discussion: The anabolic action of ND on skeletal muscle was enhanced by training. Fat and lipid changes were more linked to training/detraining, but the effects of ND on the reproductive structures persisted after treatment. Conclusions: The effects of training on fat and muscle were not maintained after detraining, but low-dose ND had persistent effects on the reproductive structures.

Starvation and refeeding in rats: effect on some parameters of energy metabolism and electrolytes and changes of hepatic tissue

Regarding the importance of starvation and refeeding and the occurrence of refeeding syndrome in various conditions, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of refeeding on some parameters of energy metabolism and electrolytes and changes of hepatic tissue in male Wistar rats. Fifty-seven rats were divided into six groups, having 6 to 11 rats. Food was provided ad-libitum until three months and then the first group was considered without starvation (day 0). Other rats were fasted for two weeks. Group 2 was applied to a group immediately after starvation (day 14). Groups 3 to 6 were refed in days 16 till 22, respectively. At the end of each period, blood and tissue samples were taken and histopathological and serum analysis, including serum electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium), the energy parameters (glucose, insulin, cortisol) and the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) were determined. Insulin decreased by starvation and then showed an increasing trend compared to starvation period, which the highest amount of this parameter was observed eight days post-refeeding. Serum glucose level showed the opposite pattern of insulin. Histopathological examination of the tissue sections revealed clear vacuoles after starvation and refeeding, in which the severity of lesions gradually decreased during refeeding. The cortisol level decreased by starvation and then increased during refeeding. Also, potassium and phosphorus concentrations declined by refeeding and the serum sodium and potassium levels were changed in the relatively opposite manner. The calcium level decreased by starvation and then increased during refeeding. These results could help recognize and remedy the refeeding syndrome.

Effects of long-term pre- and post-natal exposure to 2.45 GHz wireless devices on developing male rat kidney

Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate oxidative stress and apoptosis in kidney tissues of male Wistar rats that pre- and postnatally exposed to wireless electromagnetic field (EMF) with an internet frequency of 2.45 GHz for a long time.Methods The study was conducted in three groups of rats which were pre-natal, post-natal. and sham exposed groups. Oxidative stress markers and histological evaluation of kidney tissues were studied.Results Renal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant (TOS) levels of pre-natal group were high and total antioxidant (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were low. Spot urine NAG/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in pre- and post-natal groups (p < 0.001). Tubular injury was detected in most of the specimens in post-natal groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed low-intensity staining with Bax in cortex, high-intensity staining with Bcl-2 in cortical and medullar areas of pre-natal group (p values, 0.000, 0.002, 0.000, respectively) when compared with sham group. Bcl2/Bax staining intensity ratios of medullar and cortical area was higher in pre-natal group than sham group (p = 0.018, p = 0.011).Conclusion Based on this study, it is thought that chronic pre- and post-natal period exposure to wireless internet frequency of EMF may cause chronic kidney damages; staying away from EMF source in especially pregnancy and early childhood period may reduce negative effects of exposure on kidney.

Teneligliptin Decreases Uric Acid Levels by Reducing Xanthine Dehydrogenase Expression in White Adipose Tissue of Male Wistar Rats.

We investigated the effects of teneligliptin on uric acid metabolism in male Wistar rats and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The rats were fed with a normal chow diet (NCD) or a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) with or without teneligliptin for 4 weeks. The plasma uric acid level was not significantly different between the control and teneligliptin groups under the NCD condition. However, the plasma uric acid level was significantly decreased in the HFD-fed teneligliptin treated rats compared to the HFD-fed control rats. The expression levels of xanthine dehydrogenase (Xdh) mRNA in liver and epididymal adipose tissue of NCD-fed rats were not altered by teneligliptin treatment. On the other hand, Xdh expression was reduced significantly in the epididymal adipose tissue of the HFD-fed teneligliptin treated rats compared with that of HFD-fed control rats, whereas Xdh expression in liver did not change significantly in either group. Furthermore, teneligliptin significantly decreased Xdh expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. DPP-4 treatment significantly increased Xdh expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. With DPP-4 pretreatment, teneligliptin significantly decreased Xdh mRNA expression compared to the DPP-4-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, our studies suggest that teneligliptin reduces uric acid levels by suppressing Xdh expression in epididymal adipose tissue of obese subjects.

Amelioration of Lead-induced Toxicity in Blood, Liver and Kidney Tissues of Male Wistar Rats by Fermented Ofada Rice

The protective effects of ‘ofada’ rice koji (ORK, fermented ofada rice) and ascorbic acid (AA) against lead (Pb)-induced toxicity in the blood, liver and kidney tissues of male Wistar rats was investigated. The animals were divided into four treatment groups (A – D, n = 5). Groups B, C and D were intoxified by intra-peritoneal injection of 75 mg lead acetate/kg body weight. Groups C and D only had their feed mixed with ORK and AA, respectively. The results showed no significant difference in % packed cell volume (PCV) and Pb concentrations. Feeding with ORK and AA significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase activities (36.50 ± 3.54 and 34.02 ± 0.05 UL-1 respectively) compared to Pb-only treated group (85.50 ± 3.25 UL-1). The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) for organs increased significantly following intake of feeds mixed with ORK and AA; increases in FRAP was higher for ORK-treated group possibly due to increased total flavonoids concentration following fermentation. Furthermore, Pb-induced high plasma creatinine levels decreased upon treatment with feeds mixed with ORK and ascorbic acid. These findings strongly indicated that feed supplementation with ORK by 45% may be more effective at ameliorating the effects of Pb-induced toxicity in tissues compared to supplementation with AA by 2%.

&lt;b&gt;Effects of anabolic steroid treatment associated with physical training in adipose tissue of male Wistar rats

Anabolic androgenic-steroids (AAS) include a broad class of synthetic derivatives of testosterone, being nandrolone decanoate the most widely used in sports environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of nandrolone decanoate in sedentary and trained adult male rats. We established four experimental groups: sedentary control, sedentary treated, trained control and trained treated. The training had consisted of running on a treadmill for nine weeks. Treated animals received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (0.5 mg kg -1 ) during the last four weeks of physical training. The training time as the drug used were not sufficient to significantly reduce body weight gain, but caused a significative decrease on diameter of adipocytes and in the amount of adipose tissue stored, as well as decreased the plasma levels of glucose and total cholesterol.

Pinealectomy interferes with the circadian clock genes expression in white adipose tissue.

Melatonin, the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, is secreted in a circadian manner (24-hr period), and its oscillation influences several circadian biological rhythms, such as the regulation of clock genes expression (chronobiotic effect) and the modulation of several endocrine functions in peripheral tissues. Assuming that the circadian synchronization of clock genes can play a role in the regulation of energy metabolism and it is influenced by melatonin, our study was designed to assess possible alterations as a consequence of melatonin absence on the circadian expression of clock genes in the epididymal adipose tissue of male Wistar rats and the possible metabolic repercussions to this tissue. Our data show that pinealectomy indeed has impacts on molecular events: it abolishes the daily pattern of the expression of Clock, Per2, and Cry1 clock genes and Pparγ expression, significantly increases the amplitude of daily expression of Rev-erbα, and affects the pattern of and impairs adipokine production, leading to a decrease in leptin levels. However, regarding some metabolic aspects of adipocyte functions, such as its ability to synthesize triacylglycerols from glucose along 24hr, was not compromised by pinealectomy, although the daily profile of the lipogenic enzymes expression (ATP-citrate lyase, malic enzyme, fatty acid synthase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) was abolished in pinealectomized animals.

Aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. inhibits neutrophil influx and cytokine secretion.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. phenolic compounds have attracted considerable attention because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including its ability to treat inflammatory disorders. In this work, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of R. officinalis aqueous extract on neutrophil trafficking from the blood into an inflamed tissue, on cell-derived secretion of chemical mediators, and on oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Wistar rats orally treated with the R. officinalis extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg). The leukocyte influx (optical microscopy), secretion of chemical mediators (prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), TNF-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and the anti-oxidative profile (super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) spectrophotometry) were quantified in the inflamed exudate. N-Formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine-induced chemotaxis, lipopolysaccharide-induced NO2 (-) production (Greiss reaction), and adhesion molecule expression (flow cytometry) were in vitro quantified using oyster glycogen recruited peritoneal neutrophils previous treated with the extract (1, 10, or 100 µg/mL). Animals orally treated with phosphate-buffered saline and neutrophils incubated with Hank's balanced salt solution were used as control. R. officinalis extract oral treatment caused a dose-dependent reduction in the neutrophil migration as well as decreased SOD, TBARS, LTB4, PGE2, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the inflamed exudate. In vitro treatment with R. officinalis decreased neutrophil chemotaxis, NO2 (-) production, and shedding of L-selectin and β2 integrin expressions. Results here presented show that R. officinalis aqueous extract displays important in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory actions by blocking pathways of neutrophil migration and secretion, suggesting its therapeutic application to acute inflammatory reactions.

Alteration of the microRNA expression profile during the activation of pancreatic stellate cells

Objective. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a pivotal role in the pancreatic fibrosis associated with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. In response to pancreatic injury or inflammation, PSCs are activated to myofibroblast-like cells. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small RNA, consisting of 17–25 nucleotides, which targets 3'-untranslated region sequences of mRNA. miRNAs regulate a variety of cell functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. We examined here whether the miRNA expression profiles are altered during the activation of PSCs. Materials and methods. Rat PSCs were isolated from the pancreas tissue of male Wistar rats. PSCs were activated in vitro by culture in serum-containing medium. miRNAs were prepared from quiescent (day 1) PSCs and culture-activated (day 14) PSCs. Agilent's miRNA microarray containing probes for 680 miRNAs was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used for the integrated analysis of altered miRNAs. Results. Upon activation, 42 miRNAs were upregulated (>2.0-fold) and 42 miRNAs were downregulated (<0.5-fold). Upregulated miRNAs included miR-31, miR-143, and miR-221. Downregulated miRNAs included miR-126, miR-146a, and miR-150. IPA revealed the most impacted biological processes including cellular development, cellular growth, and cell movement. Interestingly, IPA identified 22 miRNAs affected both in pancreatic cancer and PSC activation. The top network generated by IPA revealed the interactions of altered miRNAs with signaling pathways such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular-signal–regulated kinase, and Smad2/3. Conclusions. Our results suggest a novel role of miRNAs in the activation of PSCs.