HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF INSULIN-LIKE-GROWTH-FACTOR-I IN RATS WITHCARBON TETRACHLORIDE-INDUCED CIRRHOSIS

Background & Aims: Bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor (IGF- I) is reduced in liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of IGF-I on liver histopathology and function in experimen tal cirrhosis. Methods: Rats received CCl4 inhalations for 11 or 30 we eks (protocols 1 and 2, respectively) and were treated with 2 mu g.100 g body wt(-1).day(-1) IGF-I (group CI + IGF) or saline (group CI) on weeks 13 and 14 (protocol 1) or on weeks 28-30 (protocol 2). Normal ra ts were studied in parallel. Results: Serum albumin and total protein levels were reduced in CI but not in CI + IGF rats compared with norma l rats. Clotting factors II, VII, and X were significantly greater in CI + IGF than in CI rats. Liver lipid peroxidation products were signi ficantly increased in CI but not in CI + IGF rats, and liver fibrosis was less pronounced in CI + IGF than in CI animals. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were red uced compared with normal animals in CI but not in CI + IGF rats. Conc lusions: IGF-I improves liver function and reduces oxidative liver dam age and fibrosis in rats with compensated or advanced liver cirrhosis. Improved mitochondrial function could play a role in the hepatoprotec tive effect of this hormone.