Adverse Effects of Dimethyl Dimethoxy Biphenyl Dicarboxylate (DDB) in Treatment of Liver Fibrosis in Female Albino Rats

Dimethyl Dimethoxy Biphenyl Dicarboxylate (DDB) is a Chinese herbal drug used in treatment of chronic hepatitis and the only monitor via lowering ALT levels. Many studies supported its use while others recommended by its exclusion. The present study is undertaken to confirm that DDB has a benefit or adverse effects on liver. It is found that increased liver tissue damage via accumulation of malondialdehyde, increased activities of c-aconitase, catalase, and glutathione reductase and glutathione-s-transferase enzymes accompanied with decrease in total thiol, non-protein thiol levels and m- aconitase enzyme activity in all treated groups. Furthermore, the histological findings of liver tissues showed degeneration in cell walls, fibrosis in hepatocytes, severe fibrosis and cell destruction. These findings recommend the exclusion of DDB in treatment of liver fibrosis and chronic hepatitis that depends only on decreasing ALT activity.