Febuxostat alleviate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in rat model via targeting inflammation, cell death, and intestinal barrier dysfunction - 17/05/25

, Maha Saad b, Manar Fouad Ahmed a, Amany Helmy Hasanin c, Ghada M. Ellithy c, Marian Samir Abdelwahab c, Eman Hamdy Badr Eltantawy d, Ghada Galal Hamam d, Amany E. Hamoud e, Marwa M. El-Shafei f, Nehal samir aAbstract |
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) constitutes a global health threat with its ability to develop into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging data suggests that oxidative stress and regulated cell death are major driving forces for liver inflammation in MASH. Febuxostat (Feb.), one of the Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, has shown promise in significantly improving the prognosis of MASH by reducing inflammatory cytokines and cell death. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of febuxostat on MASH through the modulation of cell death, inflammation, and intestinal permeability, focusing on hepatic mRNAs (HGS, SNF8, TSG101) and their epigenetic regulators (rno-miR-6216, rno-miR-1224). MASH was induced in Wistar rats via a High-sucrose high-fat (HSHF) diet over 14 weeks, followed by febuxostat treatment at doses of 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks. Febuxostat treatment significantly improved liver function and lipid profiles, reduced hepatic steatosis, intralobular inflammation, and ballooning, and restored normal expression of the hepatic RNA panel by downregulating HGS, SNF8, and TSG101 mRNAs and their epigenetic regulators. Furthermore, febuxostat decreased serum levels of inflammatory (IL6), fibrosis (TGFB1), and cell death (TSG101) markers while reducing apoptosis and regulated cell death via modulation of Caspase-3 and LC3B expression. Improvements in intestinal permeability were evident via reductions in serum haptoglobin (Hpt) and TMAO and restoration of occludin expression. These findings highlight febuxostat as a promising therapeutic candidate for MASH by targeting key molecular mechanisms of liver inflammation and gut-liver axis dysfunction.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | Febuxostat modulate cell death, inflammation, and intestinal permeability in MASH model. |
• | Febuxostat decreases hepatic steatosis & intralobular inflammation. |
• | Febuxostat reduces serum IL6, TGFB1, and TSG101 protein level. |
• | Febuxostat reduces serum Hpt and TMAO level. |
• | Febuxostat has potential therapeutic candidate for MASH management. |
Keywords : Febuxostat, Hepatic cell death, Intestinal permeability, MASH, MASLD, Necroptosis
Plan
Vol 187
Article 118086- juin 2025 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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