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

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Abstract
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 CCI4. 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 CCI4 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 CCI4 intoxication. Collagen content increased fivefold in the CCI4‐treated rats. The group treated with the lipoxygenase inhibitor, in addition to CCI4, showed less collagen content than the group receiving only CCI4 (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.