Liver cirrhosis is a major health concern in Egypt due to the high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis, driving the need for effective therapeutic alternatives. Snake venoms contain diverse bioactive molecules with antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for managing hepatic disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of Cerastes vipera venom extract (CVE) against CCl₄‑induced liver cirrhosis in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (160–200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10): a healthy control, a healthy group treated with CVE (0.978 mg/kg/day, i.p.), a CCl₄‑induced cirrhosis group receiving CCl₄ (0.5 mg/kg, i.p., twice weekly), and a cirrhotic group treated with CVE for six weeks. Serum biochemical markers, hepatic oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory cytokines, AFP, and liver histopathology were assessed to evaluate the extent of injury and the therapeutic efficacy of CVE. CCl₄ administration induced severe hepatic dysfunction, marked by significant elevations in liver enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation, depletion of GSH, and decreased SOD, CAT, and GPx activities, alongside increased inflammatory cytokines and AFP levels. CVE treatment significantly reversed these alterations by restoring total protein and albumin levels, lowering serum liver enzymes, reducing MDA concentrations, replenishing GSH, and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities. CVE also suppressed inflammatory cytokines, normalized AFP levels, and markedly improved hepatic histoarchitecture and fibrosis scores. CVE exhibits strong antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties capable of mitigating CCl₄‑induced chronic liver injury. These effects are likely mediated by its bioactive proteins and peptides, highlighting CVE as a promising natural candidate for further exploration in the management of toxic and fibrotic liver diseases
Keywords: Cirrhosis, CCl4, Cerastes vipera, Rat, Immunomodulation, Oxidative Stress.
How to cite this article:Goda H, El-Bitar AMH, Askar H, Ashry M., Cerastes vipera venom attenuates CCL4-induced liver cirrhosis through inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in Rats.Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1s): 874-884; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 874-884