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a b
Figure 4: (a) Serum cholesterol; (b) triglyceride levels in rats treated daily for 28 consecutive days with chamomile fl owers methanolic extract (CFME), fennel seeds
methanolic extract (FSME), azathioprine (AZA), CFME + AZA, and FSME + AZA. Data represent the mean ± standard error (n = 8). *P ≤ 0.05 compared to normal
†
control rats; P ≤ 0.05 compared to AZA-treated rats

a b
Figure 5: (a) Body weight gain (BG, %); (b) relative liver weight (RLW) in rats treated daily for 28 consecutive days with chamomile fl owers methanolic extract (CFME),
fennel seeds methanolic extract (FSME), azathioprine (AZA), CFME + AZA, and FSME + AZA. Data represent the mean ± standard error (n = 8). *P ≤ 0.05 compared
†
to normal control rats; P ≤ 0.05 compared to AZA-treated rats

a b a b
Figure 6: (a) Photomicrographs of liver sections of control rats showing the Figure 7: Photomicrographs of liver sections of fennel seeds methanolic extract
normal branching cords of hepatocytes around the portal tract and central vein treated rats showing the normal hepatocytes architecture (a: HE, ×100) and
separated by blood sinusoids (HE, ×100); (b) high power of liver section of control congested blood vessels (b: HE, ×400)
rats showing the normal hepatocytes as polygonal cells having moderately
acidophilic granular cytoplasm and rounded vesicular nuclei. Some cells are degeneration, and fibrosis or nuclear damage disappeared.
binucleated (HE, ×400)
Acidophilic cytoplasm with central rounded vesicular nuclei
were seen congested and fibrosed with pyknotic nuclei, was observed [Figure 11].
microscpical examination also revealed bile duct necrosis
around the portal tract [Figure 9]. The liver sections of rats DISCUSSION
treated with FSME prior to AZA treatment showed marked
improvement and regeneration in the periportal and central AZA is a common immunosuppressant used in medicine
[25]
zone. Some hepatocytes revealed acidophilic and granular to treat different diseases. However, AZA use has been
cytoplasm with central rounded vesicular nuclei [Figure 10]. complicated by a high incidence of hepatic injury which was
[26]
The liver sections of rats administrated with CFME prior to found to be associated with oxidative damage. Hepatic
AZA treatment showed the normal hepatocytes architecture injury is a common pathological feature which exists in many
with normal central vein and portal tract, the fatty liver diseases. Liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer

130 Hepatoma Research | Volume 1 | Issue 3 | October 15, 2015