Introduction: Cirrhosis is the end stage of any chronic liver disease. It is characterized by diffuse fibrosis with disturbed
hepatic architecture. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are common antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic
agents
Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of omega-3 fatty acids on experimentally induced
cirrhosis.
Materials and Methods: 60 animals were divided into three groups: Group I (control): 10 animals, group II: 25 animals
treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and Group III : 25 animals treated with CCl4 then with omega-3 concomitant
with CCl4 for additional two weeks after induction of cirrhosis. Body weight and liver weight coefficient were measured.
Liver samples were taken for histological and immunohistochemical studies.
Results: Omega-3 fatty acids treatment attenuated the CCl4 induced cirrhosis. Histological studies revealed that it decreased
the stage of fibrosis, and the grade of the necroinflammatory changes. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that
apoptotic changes diminished in cirrhotic livers after treatment with omega-3 fatty acids with a significant decrease in
the cleaved caspase-3 index. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the number of macrophages, and hepatic
stellate cells activation.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects on CCl4
induced liver cirrhosis in mice.