Objective   To investigate the long-term effect of dietary fiber complex(DFC)on liver structure and function of hypercholesterolemic rats.

  Methods   Eight-four healthy SD rats were fed on food rich in lipids and hypercholesterolemic animal models were established.The animals were randomly divided into 7 groups.Different levels of DFC were given in the experimental groups.Wheat fiber was used in the hypercholesterolemic control(HC)group and rats feeding on normal food were used as normal control(NC).Structure and function of the liver was determined by light microscope examination and biochemical assay.

  Results   (1) On the 60th day, the activity of ALT in(64% DFC)group G was much higher than that in NC and HC groups(P < 0.05);the activity of plasma ALT in other groups and AST in all DFC groups were not significantly different from those in two control groups; (2)At the end of the experiment, the levels of ALT and AST in experimental groups(DFC 16%, 32% and 64% respectively)were significantly higher compared with NC group but not the HC group(P < 0.05);(3)Dose-response relationship was observed in the effect of DFC on plasma levels of AST and ALT; (4) Compared with NC and HC groups, cloudy swelling of liver cells were widely observed in all DFC groups, cloudy swelling of liver cells was more severe and acidophilia degeneration was found in DFC groups of higher level.

  Conclusion   Chronic higher intake of DFC composed mainly of Hippophae rhamnoides LBran, oat bran and guar gum may influence the liver structure and function of hypercholesterolemic rats, thus DFC should be used at low level as an effective cholesterol-lowering agent.