Hepato-protective role of itraconazole mediated cytochrome p450 pathway inhibition in liver fibrosis

Liver is a vital organ and is routinely exposed to toxins. Carbon tetrachloride is one such noxious agent which cause toxicity in liver when CYP450 enzyme bio-activates it. Many hepatoprotective agents are available in market with severe side effects. Appropriate agent is required to combat such liver problems. Azole compounds have much therapeutic values in many diseases. Based upon this fact, present study is aimed to evaluate the repurposing of Itraconazole in the prevention of hepatic fibrosis via inhibition of cytochrome P450 pathway. For in-vitro evaluation of cyto-protective effects in HepG2 cells (untreated and treated groups), cell viability assays, antioxidant evaluation, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunocytochemistry was used. For in-vivo evaluation, CCl4 induced liver fibrotic rat model was used and post treated evaluation was done by blood biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and gene expression profiling. Results of the current study indicated hepatoprotective role of itraconazole via inhibition of CYP450 pathway inhibition. Therefore, Itraconazole use could be a potential therapeutic approach to prevent liver fibrosis.