Does nicotinic acid prevent experimental liver fibrosis by attenuating the prooxidant process?
NA prevents experimental fibrosis; the mechanisms of action are associated with its antioxidant properties and the reduction in TGF-β expression. The decrease in TGF-β levels may be associated with the attenuation of the oxidative processes, thus resulting in a reduction in HSC activation and ECM deposition. The findings suggest a possible role for NA as an antifibrotic agent for liver injury.
Antenatal use of the Epi-No(®) device is unlikely to be clinically beneficial in the prevention of intrapartum levator ani damage, or anal sphincter and perineal trauma.