Azadeh Khalili - Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physic, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj,
Parviz Fallah - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Seyed Ali Hashemi - Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj,Iran
Mohammad Mahdi Ahmadian-Attari - Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Vahid Jamshidi - Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Roham Mazloom - Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physic, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Leila Beikzadeh - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Gholamreza Bayat - Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physic, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj,

Objective: Farnesoid-X-activated receptors (FXR) are key modulators of liver regeneration. Milk thistle and Chicory are known as potent protective remedies in several liver disorders. The objective of this work was to examine the role of FXR in the hepato-healing properties of milk thistle (MTE) and chicory extracts (CE) in a rat model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups including control, vehicle, acetaminophen (۵۰۰ mg/kg/day, oral), acetaminophen plus oral MTE ۲۰۰ and ۴۰۰ mg/kg/day, and acetaminophen plus oral CE ۵۰۰ and ۱۰۰۰ /kg/day for ۲۸ days. Liver function and histology as well as the pattern of hepatic FXR expression were assessed after ۴ weeks. Results: Administration of acetaminophen was associated with a significant elevation of liver transaminase along with the architectural injuries. In contrast, chronic concomitant administration of both MTE and CE significantly restored the liver function and structural abnormality. The main molecular findings of the study revealed that the lower doses of both MTE and CE led to a marked upregulation of hepatic FXR expression. Conclusion: Discovery of the involvement of the nuclear modulating pathways in hepatoprotective activity of the extracts, providesa new mechanistic insight which needs further investigations.

Farnesoid X receptors (FXR), Acetaminophen, Milk Thistle, Chicory, Necrosis