Hepatoprotective role of bis-demethoxy curcumin analog on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase induced by alcohol and polyunsaturated fatty acid in rats

Liver fibrosis is one of the major health problems worldwide. Chronic alcohol abuse is one of the main causes of fibrosis. Ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) along with alcohol further aggravates the toxicity of alcohol. Fibrosis results due to increased deposition of extra cellular matrix (ECM). The degree of abnormal ECM degradation depends on the ratio of active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The present work studied the influence of bis-desmethoxy curcumin analog (BDMC-A) on the expression of MMPs and TIMPs during alcohol and Delta PUFA induced liver toxicity. Male albino Wistar rats were used for the study. The MMP expression was found to be increased in alcohol as well as Delta PUFA treated rats and decreased in alcohol + Delta PUFA treated rats. The levels of TIMPs and the collagen were increased in alcohol, Delta PUFA, and alcohol + Delta PUFA groups. Administration of BDMC-A significantly decreased the levels of collagen and TIMPs; and positively modulated the expression of MMPs. From this study, it is concluded that BDMC-A influences MMPs, TIMPs expression, and acts as an efficient anti-fibrotic agent.