Effect of bortezomib on fatty liver in a rat model of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Fatty liver is associated with atherosclerosis even though the exact mechanism remains unknown. Fatty liver and atherosclerosis correlate with inflammation. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is recognized as an inflammatory marker. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that will inhibit the proteasome pathway and is expected to inhibit inflammation in atherosclerosis. The current research aimed to investigate the effect of bortezomib on the fatty liver of atherosclerosis rats and to analyze its correlation with serum IL-6 concentration.   Materials and Methods: Experimental subjects were 18 male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) divided into three treatment groups, namely atherosclerosis group (I), atherosclerosis + bortezomib group (II), and control group (III). Bortezomib (50 ?g/kg BW) was given twice intraperitoneally, on day 1 and day 3. The presence of fatty liver was evaluated using the percentage system. Serum IL-6 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.   Results: The highest amount of fatty liver was found in the atherosclerosis group (group I) (38.33%), while the lowest was in the control group (group III) (5.83%). There was a decreasing fatty liver percentage due to bortezomib administration (group II) (29.17%), and it was statistically significant. There is a significant correlation between the degree of fatty liver and serum IL-6 concentration.   Conclusion: The administration of bortezomib 50 ?g/kg BW in atherosclerosis model rats can reduce the occurrence of fatty liver by reducing the inflammatory process.