Hepatoprotective Effects of (−) Epicatechin in CCl₄-Induced Toxicity Model Are Mediated via Modulation of Oxidative Stress Markers in Rats

Figure 8

(−) Epicatechin and silymarin’s effect on the liver’s histopathological changes in both central vein (CV) and portal area (PA) regions caused by carbon tetrachloride. GI: control normal hepatocytes (H) in both central vein (CV) and portal area (PA) with few connective tissue cells (asterisk). BD: bile duct. GII: EP showing the normal cytoarchitecture of the lobule. The central vein is surrounded by hepatic cells separated by blood sinusoids. GIII: CCl₄ showing cell necrosis around CV with inflammatory cells and fibroblasts (black asterisks), vascular wall (HA) thickening (white arrow) with inflammatory cells (black asterisks), and degenerating hepatocytes (black arrow) in the portal area. GIV: CCl₄ and EP showing only a few fibrotic and inflammatory cells (black asterisks) around CV and thickening of artery (HA). Absence of fibrotic and inflammatory cells in PA (asterisks). GV: CCl₄ and SILY. Absence of fibrotic and inflammatory cells except for a small area (asterisks) around CV and PA.