Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer attenuates liver fibrosis and its complications in bile-duct-ligated rats

Abstract

We assessed the effect of sorafenib-loaded polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups: intact, sham, DMSO + BDL, BDL, sorafenib (30 mg/kg), sorafenib (60 mg/kg), PAMAM + BDL, sorafenib (30 mg/kg) + PAMAM + BDL, sorafenib (60 mg/kg) + PAMAM + BDL. BDL was induced and then rats were treated daily with sorafenib and (or) PAMAM for 4 weeks. Improvement of liver was detected via assessment of ascites formation, collagen deposition, liver blood flow, vascular endothelial growth factor level, and blood cells count. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer in both 30 and 60 mg/kg doses reduced ascites formation, reduced collagen deposition, and improved drug-induced hematological side effects of sorafenib alone in comparison with sorafenib-alone treatment. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer increased liver blood flow compared with sorafenib-received groups. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer reduced BDL-induced liver injury compared with sorafenib-received groups. Moreover, sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer decreased vascular endothelial growth factor level in serum and liver tissue in comparison with sorafenib-received groups. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer profoundly improved the therapeutic effects of sorafenib in BDL rats.