JTE-522, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, is an effective chemopreventive agent against rat experimental liver fibrosis

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition on rat experimental liver fibrogenesis. Methods: We investigated the inhibitory effects of a selective COX-2 inhibitor, JTE-522, on liver fibrosis induced by a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined diet (CDAA). Inhibitory effect was also tested in a second model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Results: CDAA induced liver fibrosis and preneoplastic foci at 12 weeks and cirrhosis at 36 weeks. Hepatocellular carcinoma was noted in 13 of 15 rats (87%). JTE-522 significantly inhibited fibrosis and development of preneoplastic lesions in a dose-dependent manner and completely inhibited generation of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma at both low and high doses (10 and 30 mg/kg body wt/day, respectively). JTE-522 administrated only from 12 weeks to 36 weeks also prevented cirrhosis and formation of hepatocellular carcinoma. JTE-522 itself did not cause local or systemic gross or histopathologic changes at 36 weeks. Mechanistic studies indicated that the CDAA model displayed up-regulation of several biomarkers, including COX-2, arachidonate metabolite (prostaglandin E-2), serum aspartate aminotransferase, and c-myc expression. The model also showed an increased proportion of activated hepatic stellate cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, and CD45-positive inflammatory cells in the liver. JTE-522 effectively diminished these changes. JTE-522 exhibited similar antifibrosis effects in the TAA model. Conclusions: Our results suggest that COX-2 is involved in CDAA- and TAA-induced liver fibrosis. Our data also indicate that JTE-522 is a potent chemopreventive agent of rat liver fibrosis with low toxicity.