Abstract:

Objective    To study the effect of low molecular weight heparin on alcohol-fed rats. Methods    The rat model of alcoholic liver disease was established by alcohol lavage, and then treated with low molecular weight heparin(100IU/kg). After 4 weeks, blood and liver tissue samples were collected. The effect of low molecular weight heparin on alcoholic liver disease rats was observed by pathology, ultrastructures and molecular immunology. Results     Compared with the model group, the low molecular weight heparin therapy group significantly improved the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein(P<0.01), while it lowered the serum leptin level(P<0.05). Under observation by optical and electronic microscopes, degrees of liver steatosis, inflammation reaction and fibrosis were significantly reduced(P<0.01).  Conclusion    Low molecular weight heparin has a therapeutic effect on alcohol-induced liver disease rats by improving fat metabolism and reducing serum leptin.

Key words:  Liver disease, alcoholic; Heparin,  low-molecular-weight; Leptin