Inhibition of activated factor X; a new pathway in ameliorating carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Research Abstract

Activated factor X has a central role in the coagulation activation and also contributesto chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis. In this study, rivaroxaban, a direct factorX inhibitor, attenuates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Male ratswere randomly allocated into three groups: a control group, CCl4fibrotic group, andCCl4+rivaroxaban (5 mg/kg) group. Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneousinjection of CCl4twice a week for 6 weeks. Rivaroxaban significantly restored thebiochemical parameter including inflammatory and fibrosis markers with histopatho-logical evidence using routine and Masson trichrome staining. It reduced also theexpression of tissue factor, fibrin, transforming growth factor andα‐smooth muscleactin in the liver tissues. This concludes that rivaroxaban attenuates liver injurycaused by CCl4, at least in part by inhibiting coagulation and proinflammatoryactivation. In conclusion, rivaroxaban may be used for the management of liverfibrosis.

Research Keywords

CCl4, factor X, liver fibrosis, rivaroxaban