The experimental models of the development of
cirrhosis in rats require a long time. Many studies in animals have demonstrated similarities in histological pattern with human
cirrhosis. Just like the relation between
cirrhosis and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), which contributes to the worsening of the disease. However, few studies have focused on the reduction of time to establish
cirrhosis and evaluated the expression of
heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) in cirrhotic livers of rodents. The present study proposes the adaptation of an experimental
cirrhosis model using
diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Twenty-six male Wistar rats, weighing ±270 g, divided into two groups: (i) CO-control and (ii) DEN-
diethylnitrosamine. The DEN group received 50 mg/kg of DEN twice a week intraperitoneally for 7 weeks. The model developed
cirrhosis in 7 weeks. The liver function tests showed that the animals with DEN-induced
cirrhosis had increased levels when compared to control. The histological examination showed changes in the liver architecture, with severe ductal proliferation, signs of chronic damage,
cholestasis, lymphocytic infiltrate, steatosis, and extensive parenchymal loss. We also found nodular formations with homogeneous pattern, increased LPO, increased expression of iNOS,
TGF beta, α-SMA, and NQO1. However, the HSP70 expression was reduced in cirrhotic animals. This study showed signs of
cirrhosis in liver based on biochemical, histological, and molecular analysis. The reduced expression of HSP70 appears to be associated with increased oxidative stress, contributing to the worsening of the disease.