Effects and Interactions of ginger and propranolol in pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats

Abstract

Background and aim: Portal hypertension (PHT) is a frequent sequel of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Propranolol is commonly used for lowering portal pressure and preventing variceal bleeding. The hepatoprotective effect of ginger has been reported. The aim of this study is to assess the effects and interactions of ginger and propranolol in pre-hepatic PHT in male albino rats.

Materials and methods: Adult male albino rats were divided into 3 main groups. The first group: control rats. The second group: sham-operated rats and third group: pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats induced by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL). The third group is subdivided into: subgroup (1): untreated-PPVL group and subgroups 2-6 were treated with propranolol 75mg/Kg; ginger 90mg/kg; 180mg/Kg; ginger 90mg/kg plus propranolol 75mg/kg, and ginger 180mg/kg plus propranolol 75mg/kg respectively. The portal pressure was measured in all groups then rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for estimation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels then hepatic as well as gastro-intestinal tissues were obtained for histopathological examination.

Results: Ginger, propranolol and in combinations decreased the elevated portal pressure and histopathological score in the liver and esophagus. Administration of ginger and ginger-propranolol combinations decreased the latter score in stomach and intestine as well as the ALT level while AP level was reduced by ginger 90mg/kg alone and in combination with propranolol.

Conclusion: Ginger and propranolol had protective effects against PHT and the related hepatic as well as esophageal histopathological changes.  Ginger and ginger-propranolol combinations reduced ALT and AP levels as well as histopathological scores of stomach and intestine.