Objective      To investigate the effect of thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin on reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats.       Methods      NAFLD rat model was established by feeding high-fat diet. Liver and serum lipid levels were detected by ELISA. Liver monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1)

CD68

intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)

macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)

type Ⅰ collagen (COL1A1)

matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1)

and transforming growth f

actor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA expression levels were detected by RT-PCR. Liver biopsy oil red O staining and HE staining were performed.       Results      Bivalirudin could significantly prolong the prothrombin time (P=0.000) and significantly reduce the levels of CD68 and F4/80 mRNA

MCP-1 mRNA

and liver and serum MCP-1 as compared to the placebo group (

P

0.05). Compared to the placebo group

the serum triglycerides and total cholesterol in rats of bivalirudin group decreased significantly (

P

0.05). What’s more

bivalirudin could also significantly reduce expression of α-SMA protein

COL1A1 mRNA

and TIMP-1 mRNA (

P

0.05).       Conclusion      Thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin can reduce macrophage and neutrophil accumulation in the liver

correct the inflammation of liver cells

reduce serum triglycerides and total cholesterol

and lower the risk of hepatic fibrosis.