银杏叶提取物与秋水仙碱对大鼠肝纤维化预防作用的比较

目的比较银杏叶提取物(GBE)和秋水仙碱对实验性大鼠肝纤维化的预防作用。方法SD雄性大鼠40只随机分为4组:正常组(n=10)、模型组(n=10)、秋水仙碱预防组(n=10)及GBE预防组(n=10)。模型组、秋水仙碱预防组及GBE预防组给予500 mL/L CCl4腹腔注射,1 mL/kg,每周2次,共8周,秋水仙碱预防组每天同时给予秋水仙碱灌胃,0.2 mg/kg,GBE预防组每天同时给予GBE灌胃,0.3 g/kg。实验结束后,心脏取血分离血清行肝功能生化指标检测,处死动物取肝脏甲醛固定,常规行HE染色,免疫组化检测α-SMA和TGF-β1。结果光镜下组织学检查纤维化分级GBE预防组低于秋水仙碱预防组(P0.05),肝功能生化指标检测GBE预防组优于秋水仙碱预防组[ALT:(168.4±34.6)U/Lvs(210.6±40.8)U/L;AST:(318.8±62.5)U/Lvs(511.2±53.2)U/L;ALB:(31.0±2.1)g/Lvs(28.1±2.0)g/L;P均0.05],免疫组化检测α-SMA及TGF-β1蛋白表达GBE预防组低于秋水仙碱预防组(α-SMA:29.3±1.5vs5.1±2.2;TGF-β1:14.5±0.9vs28.6±0.9)。结论GBE预防大鼠肝纤维化的作用优于秋水仙碱,GBE作为一种新的抗肝纤维化药物有很好的研究和应用前景。     

大黄(庶虫)虫丸抗慢性肝损伤及肝纤维化作用的实验研究

本文以CCl_4等因素所致大鼠肝损伤、肝纤维化为模型,以血清ALT活性、Alb含量、肝Hyp含量、肝组织HE和胶原染色光镜观察等为观察内容,分预防和治疗实验观察大黄廑虫丸的防治作用,并设西药秋水仙碱组对照。结果表明:大黄廑虫丸有较显著的抗慢性肝损伤作用及一定的抗肝纤维化作用。在抗肝损伤,保护肝功能方面,较秋水仙碱为优;但在抗肝纤维化方面,尚不及秋水仙碱作用强。     

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -14 persists during early resolution of experimental liver fibrosis and might contribute to fibrolysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Resolution of liver fibrosis is possible but the identity of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which degrade the accumulated collagens is uncertain. We examined MMP-2 and MMP-14 expression in established and resolving fibrosis to assess their role in resolution of liver fibrosis. METHODS: MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 expression in liver extracts was examined by ribonuclease protection assay, Western blotting and gelatin zymography. MMP activity was examined by (14)C gelatin degradation. RESULTS: In human cirrhotic liver, MMP-14 mRNA was increased to 230-330% of normal liver expression. Both 63 kDa proenzyme and 60 kDa activated form were present. Cirrhotic livers had 270-320% of normal liver expression of MMP-2 protein with 20-25% being the 62 Da activated form. Protein and mRNA for MMP-2 and MMP-14 progressively increased during 8 weeks of CCl(4) treatment in rats. Between 3 and 7 days of resolution from CCl(4) liver fibrosis, MMP-2 and MMP-14 persisted at elevated levels. Gelatinolytic activity in liver homogenates peaked at 7 days of recovery, being 140% above that in livers at peak fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression and activation of MMP-2 and -14 occurs even under conditions of elevated TIMPs during liver fibrogenesis. During liver fibrosis resolution, as TIMP expression decays, the persistence of MMP-2 and MMP-14 may permit collagen degradation.     

Is the magnetic resonance imaging proton spin-lattice relaxation time a reliable noninvasive parameter of developing liver fibrosis?

During the development of liver fibrosis in rats by an individual dose-titrated CCl4 administration, hepatic proton spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) has been measured in vivo every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. Liver content of collagen, triglycerides and water has been measured biochemically in biopsy material. After 4 weeks of CCl4 treatment, T1 increased significantly and remained at the same level, whereas liver collagen reached its maximum at 8 weeks. It is concluded that, under our experimental conditions, increased hepatic T1 represents drug-induced edema and that hepatic T1 is not a reliable noninvasive parameter for developing liver fibrosis in vivo.     

Reversal of carbon tetrachloride induced changes in microviscosity and lipid composition of liver plasma membrane by colchicine in rats.

Colchicine is beneficial in the treatment of cirrhotic patients, it prevents changes in plasma membrane bound enzymes induced by CCl4 intoxication. In this study, lipid composition and microviscosity were measured in liver plasma membranes isolated from rats given CCl4. Microviscosity values increased in rats given CCl4 for six weeks but fell considerably in those given CCl4 for 10 weeks. Both these changes were absent when colchicine was given with CCl4. The cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratios and lipid peroxide values increased but plasma membrane phospholipids, the length of fatty acyl chains, and the unsaturation index fell significantly after CCl4 intoxication. Colchicine treatment also prevented these changes. Changes in the lipid composition of liver plasma membranes were significantly correlated with lipid peroxidation. Colchicine prevents changes in the physicochemical properties of liver plasma membranes induced by longterm CCl4 treatment, probably by blocking peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids.     

Taurine inhibits deposition of extracellular matrix in experimental liver fibrosis in rats]

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of taurine on liver fibrosis and its mechanism. METHODS: Fibrosis was induced by the administration of carbon tertrachloride(CCl4) in rats. Some of the animals were treated with taurine. The rats were killed after 12 weeks of CCl4 treatment. Depositions of type I, III and IV collages, laminin and hyaluronic acid were studied in liver sections by immunohistochemical technique using specific antibody. The hepatic contents of type I, III procollage and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1) mRNA were determined by Northern blot hybridization. RESULTS: A significant elevations of hepatic collagen I, III, IV, laminin and hyaluronic acid were observed after 12 weeks of liver injury in animals without taurine treatment, and a definite increase in the amounts of hepatic type I, III procollagen and TIMP-1 mRNA was noted. Taurine prevented increases in type I, III procollagen mRNA expression as well as the accumulation of the collagens, laminin and hyaluronic acid in the liver. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that taurine has a protective effect in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. The results suggest taurine might be of potential value in clinical practice.     

Effect of WeiJia on carbon tetrachloride induced chronic liver injury

AIM:To study the effect of WeiJia on chronic liver injuryusing carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4)induced liver injuryanimal model.METHODS:Wistar rats weighing 180-220g were ran-domly divided into three groups:normal control group(Group A),CCl_4 induced liver injury control group(GroupB)and CCl_4 induction with WeiJia treatment group(GroupC).Each group consisted of 14 rats.Liver damage andfibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection with 40?l_4 in olive oil at 3 mL/kg body weight twice a week foreight weeks for Groups B and C rats whereas olive oilwas used for Group A rats.Starting from the third week,Group C rats also received daily intraperitoneal injectionof WeiJia at a dose of 1.25 μg/kg body weight.Animalswere sacrificed at the fifth week(4 male,3 female),andeighth week(4 male,3 female)respectively.Degree offibrosis were measured and serological markers for liverfibrosis and function including hyaluronic acid(HA),typeIV collagen(CIV),γ-glutamyl transferase(γ-GT),alanineaminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were determined.Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)immunohistochemistry were also performed.RESULTS:CCl_4 induction led to the damage of liver anddevelopment of fibrosis in Group B and Group C ratswhen compared to Group A rats.The treatment of WeiJiain Group C rats could reduce the fibrosis condition sig-nificantly compared to Group B rats.The effect could beobserved after three weeks of treatment and was moreobvious after eight weeks of treatment.Serum HA,CIV,ALT,AST and γ-GT levels after eight weeks of treatmentfor Group C rats were 58±22 μg/L(P<0.01),57±21 μg/L(P<0.01),47±10 U/L(P<0.01),139±13 U/L(P<0.05)and 52±21 U/L(P>0.05)respectively,similar to normalcontrol group(Group A),but significantly different fromCCl_4 induced liver injury control group(Group B).An in-crease in PCNA and decrease in α-SMA expression levelwas also observed.CONCLUSION:WeiJia could improve liver function andreduce liver fibrosis which might be through the inhibi-tion of stellate cell activity.     

The serum concentrations of the aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen type III and the hepatic content of mRNA for the alpha 1 chain of procollagen type III in carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrogenesis.

Serum concentrations of the aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIIP) are elevated in fibrogenic diseases of the liver, but the mechanism of elevation is not fully understood. To investigate the mechanism, we compared serum concentrations of PIIIP with total liver content of mRNA for the pro alpha 1 (III) chain, in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. Adult male rats received CCl4 in mineral oil twice weekly for 8 weeks and were compared with age-matched controls. Serum concentrations of PIIIP were measured by a specific radioimmunoassay; molecular sizes of PIIIP in serum were also determined. Pro alpha 1 (III) mRNA content in the liver was quantitated by RNA slot-blot hybridization and chemical measurement of total hepatic RNA content. Total collagen content of the liver was estimated by hydroxyproline measurement. All CCl4-treated animals had septal fibrosis after 4 weeks, and evidence of cirrhosis (regenerative nodules, ascites) was seen after 7 weeks of treatment. Serum concentrations of PIIIP and pro alpha 1 (III) mRNA content in the liver were correlated well until cirrhosis has established. They increased simultaneously after 3 weeks of treatment, 1 week before any elevation of hepatic hydroxyproline could be detected. After cirrhosis has established, pro alpha 1 (III) mRNA content in the liver decreased markedly, but serum PIIIP levels continued to be elevated. Hepatic hydroxyproline plateaued after 5 weeks. The molecular sizes of serum PIIIP indicate the release of intact native procollagen peptide during the development of cirrhosis. In conclusion, at least in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in the rats, serum PIIIP levels can be used as a fibrogenic marker for the period progressing to cirrhosis. But the use of the serum PIIIP levels in cirrhosis seems to be limited by factors other than liver fibrogenesis.     

Effects of extract from Ginkgo biloba on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats

AIM: To study the effects of extract from Ginkgo biloba (EGb) containing 22% flavonoid and 5% terpenoid on chronic liver injury and liver fibrosis of rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). METHODS: All rats were randomly divided into control group, CCl4-treated group, colchicine-treated group and EGb-protected group. Chronic liver injury was induced in experimental groups by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 and fed with chows premixed with 79.5% corn powder, 20% lard and 0.5% cholesterol (v/v). EGb-protected group was treated with EGb (0.5 g/kg body weight per day) for 7 wk. At the end of wk 8, all the rats were killed. Liver function, liver fibrosis, oxidative stress and expression of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1), a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and typeⅠcollagens in liver were determined. In addition, pathology changes of liver tissue were observed under light microscope. RESULTS: The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin (Alb) in EGb-protected group were notably improved as compared with the CCL4-treated group (P < 0.01). The contents of serum hyaluronic acid (HA), typeⅢprocollagen (PCⅢ), typeⅣcollagen (CIV) and the expression of hepatic tissue TGF-β1,α-SMA and typeⅠcollagen in EGb-protected group were significantly lower than those in CCL4-treated groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The degrees of liver fibrosis in EGb-protected groups were lower than those in CCL4-treated groups (6.58±1.25 vs 9.52±2.06, P < 0.05). Compared to the CCL4-treated group, the levels of plasma glutathoine peroxidase (Se-GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were strikingly improved also in EGb-protected group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EGb resists oxidative stress and thereby reduces chronic liver injury and liver fibrosis in rats with liver injury induced by CCl4     

Inhibition of rat liver fibrogenesis through noradrenergic antagonism

The effect of adrenergic innervation and/or circulating catecholamines on the function of liver fibrogenic cells is poorly understood. Our aim was to investigate the effects of noradrenergic antagonism on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Two weeks of CCl4 induced an approximately 5-fold increase in the area of fibrosis as compared with controls. The addition of 6-hydroxydopamine (OHDA), a toxin that destroys noradrenergic fibers, decreased fibrosis by 60%. After 6 weeks of CCl4, the area of fibrosis increased about 30-fold in CCl4-treated animals and was decreased by 36% with OHDA. At 2 weeks, OHDA abrogated the CCl4-induced increase in mRNA level of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), an inhibitor of extracellular matrix degradation, and it greatly reduced it at 6 weeks. Finally, when rats treated with CCl4 for 2 weeks also received prazosin, an antagonist of alpha1-adrenergic receptors, fibrosis was decreased by 83%. In conclusion, destruction of noradrenergic fibers or antagonism of noradrenergic signaling through alpha1 receptors inhibited the development of liver fibrosis. Because adrenoreceptor antagonists have a very sound safety profile, they appear as attractive drugs to reduce liver fibrogenesis.     

Evaluation of role of mast cells in the development of liver fibrosis using mast cell-deficient rats and mice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several studies have suggested that mast cells participate in the development of liver fibrosis in rodent models. In this study mast cell-deficient mutant Ws/Ws rats and W/Wv mice were used to examine whether mast cells are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by bile duct resection (BDR), and by intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or porcine serum, and in mice by intragastric administrations of CCl4, and BDR. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by measuring the hydroxyproline content (microg/mg tissue) of the liver as an index of the collagen content. The density of mast cells (number/cm2 liver section) was determined by counting mast cells in liver sections stained with alcian blue. RESULTS: In the liver of control non-mutant (+/+) rats, mast cells were found principally in portal areas, and their average density was 200-300/cm2 liver section. BDR, and treatments with CCl4 and porcine serum increased the density of mast cells in the liver of +/+ rats several-fold, and induced liver fibrosis, increasing the liver hydroxyproline content markedly. BDR, and treatments with CCl4 and porcine serum also induced liver fibrosis in Ws/Ws rats, increasing the liver hydroxyproline content to a similar or higher level than that in +/+ rats. However, the average densities of mast cells in the liver of Ws/Ws rats after BDR and treatment with CCl4 and porcine serum were at most 10.2/cm2 liver section. The density of mast cells in the liver of control +/+ mice was extremely low (average, less than 2), and neither BDR nor treatment with CCl4 caused any significant increase in their density, whereas these treatments induced liver fibrosis and markedly increased the liver hydroxyproline content. Furthermore, treatment with CCl4 induced fibrosis in the liver of W/Wv mice similarly to that in +/+ mice, but the density of mast cells in the liver of W/Wv mice was very low (average, less than 1), and was not increased by treatment with CCl4. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicate that mast cells play no role in the development of liver fibrosis in rats and mice.     

Effect of acetaldehyde on collagen synthesis by fat-storing cells isolated from rats treated with carbon tetrachloride

In an attempt to elucidate the role of fat-storing cells (FSCs) in alcoholic liver fibrosis, we examined the effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde on collagen synthesis by FSCs isolated from CCl4-treated or normal rats. Isolated FSCs from normal rats showed characteristic lipid droplets in the cytoplasm. FSCs from CCl4-treated rats showed an abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and a small number of lipid droplets. Collagen synthesis by the cells from CCl4-treated rats was 4-5-fold enhanced as compared with untreated rats. Though ethanol had an inhibitory effect on collagen synthesis by FSCs, acetaldehyde stimulated collagen production by the cells from CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, whereas collagen synthesis by the cells from normal rats was not influenced by acetaldehyde. From these results, FSCs are morphologically and functionally changed in liver fibrosis, and the transitional state of FSCs might be important in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver fibrosis.     

A role for thrombin in liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND/AIM: Several lines of evidence incriminate the serine proteinase thrombin in liver fibrogenesis either through its procoagulant function or its signaling via cell-surface receptors. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of thrombin inhibition on experimental liver fibrosis. METHODS: Fibrosis was induced in rats by administration of CCl4 for either three or seven weeks. Oral administration of the thrombin antagonist SSR182289 started one week after the start of CCl4 intoxication. Fibrosis and the area occupied by alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA) positive cells were quantified with histomorphometry. Expression of fibrosis related genes was measured by real time RT-PCR. RESULTS: After three weeks of CCl4, treatment with SSR182289 did not significantly decrease the area of fibrosis but significantly decreased the area of ASMA positive cells by 22% (p = 0.03) and the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA by 52% (p = 0.02). There was no effect on gene expression of collagen I, MMP-2, or TIMP-2. After seven weeks of CCl4, treatment with SSR182289 resulted in a significant decrease in fibrosis (-30%, p = 0.04) and ASMA positive areas (-35%, p = 0.05). SSR182289 alone had no effect on the measured parameters. Additionally, it did not alleviate the acute toxicity of CCl4 as shown by measuring levels of serum aminotransferases and the area of necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide evidence that thrombin antagonism can reduce liver fibrogenesis. The early effect of SSR182289 on ASMA and TIMP-1 expression suggests that it is beneficial in reducing fibrogenic cell activation.     

Effect of celecoxib on experimental liver fibrosis in rat.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that catalyzes prostaglandin synthesis, has been implicated in a number of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) functions. In the current study, we assessed the in vivo effect of celecoxib, a COX-2-selective inhibitor, in experimental liver fibrosis in rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received experimental treatments for 5 weeks. Serum alanine transminase at the time of sacrifice was measured. Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis was performed by computerized morphometry. Expression of COX-2, alpha smooth muscle actin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of genes associated with fibrogenesis and extracellular matrix degradation. RESULTS: Liver fibrosis was significantly worse in rats that received both carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and celecoxib, compared with rats that received CCl4 and gavage of water (P = 0.037). There was also more HSC activation, and upregulation of collagen alpha1(I), heat-shock protein 47, alphaB crystallin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-2. The expression of TIMP-1 and CTGF was not significantly different between the two groups. The pro-fibrogenic effect of celecoxib in toxin-induced liver fibrosis in rats was further confirmed in thioacetamide model of liver injury. CONCLUSIONS: Celecoxib potentiates experimental liver fibrosis; further studies are warranted to investigate the potential pro-fibrogenic effect of celecoxib in other animal models of liver fibrosis and in patients with chronic hepatitis.     

Lack of inducible nitric oxide synthase leads to increased hepatic apoptosis and decreased fibrosis in mice after chronic carbon tetrachloride administration

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in liver injury and fibrosis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inducible NO synthase deficiency (iNOS(-/-)) affects liver injury and fibrosis produced in mice by chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) administration. Wild-type (WT) or iNOS(-/-) mice were subjected to biweekly CCl(4) injections over 8 weeks, whereas controls were given isovolumetric injections of olive oil. Serum aminotransferases were lower after CCl(4) in the iNOS(-/-) than in the WT mice, which correlated with decreased necrosis on liver histology. There was increased apoptosis, a lower number of stellate cells, and a lesser degree of fibrosis after CCl(4) in the iNOS(-/-) as compared with the WT mice. alpha(1)(I) collagen messenger RNA (mRNA) was markedly increased after CCl(4) in the WT and to a significantly lesser extent in the iNOS(-/-) mice. Liver matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) mRNA and MMP-2 mRNA were increased more in the WT than in the iNOS(-/-) mice after CCl(4). Also tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) mRNA was increased to a much greater extent in the WT than in the iNOS(-/-) mice after CCl(4) (P < 0.05). However, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 protein, determined by western blot, were similarly increased after CCl(4) in both groups of mice. CONCLUSION: NO protects against CCl(4)-induced apoptosis. In the absence of iNOS, there is decreased necrosis, increased apoptosis, and reduced liver fibrosis.     

核因子κB和转化生长因子β1在银杏叶提取物抗肝纤维化中的作用

目的观察银杏叶提取物（EGB）对大鼠肝纤维化的防治效果，探讨EGB抗肝纤维化的机制。方法采用四氯化碳诱导大鼠肝纤维化。EGB各组四氯化碳处理同模型组，另分别给予0．25、0．5、1．0g／kg EGB灌胃。8周末检测其肝功能以及血清透明质酸和层黏连蛋白。取肝组织进行氧化应激测定，免疫组织化学法检测核因子KB（NF-kB）P65和α-平滑且儿肌动蛋白的表达，逆转录聚合酶链反应法检测转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）和Ⅰ型胶原mRNA的表达，凝胶电泳迁移率分析检测NF-kB的活性，并进行病理组织学检查。结果EGB组肝纤维化分级评分、肝功能以及血清透明质酸和层黏连蛋白较模型组明显改善；EGB能抑制氧化应激、肝星状细胞的活化、NF-kB P65的表达以及NF-kB活性。此外，EGB还可减低TGFβ1和1型胶原mRNA的表达。结论EGB可能通过抑制氧化应激和TGFβ1的表达，减弱NF-kB诱导的肝星状细胞活化，从而阻止四氯化碳诱导的大鼠肝纤维化的发生发展。     

Thalidomide ameliorates carbon tetrachloride induced cirrhosis in the rat

OBJECTIVE: Thalidomide has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha and anti-collagen activities. Cirrhosis is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, thalidomide was evaluated in an experimental model of liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were used. Group 1 (n = 8) received mineral oil i.p. (control); group 2 (n = 15) received CCl(4) i.p. for 8 weeks to induce cirrhosis; group 3 (n = 15) consisted of rats receiving CCl(4) plus thalidomide (200 mg/kg/12 h); animals in group 4 (n = 8) received thalidomide only. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in serum, while collagen (hydroxyproline), glycogen and lipid peroxidation were determined in liver samples. A liver histopathological analysis was performed by using Gomori's trichromic staining. RESULTS: Intoxication with CCl(4) induced 33.3% mortality, while thalidomide co-treatment reduced it to 13.3%. The serum activities of ALT, gamma-GTP and ALP increased 3, 2 and 4-fold by CCl(4) treatment; thalidomide completely prevented elevation of these enzymes. In the liver, lipid peroxidation increased about 20-fold and glycogen was abolished in CCl(4) cirrhotic rats; thalidomide completely prevented the former and partially (P < 0.05) the latter. CCl(4) treated rats revealed a loss of normal architecture and nodules of hepatocytes surrounded by thick bands of collagen. Thalidomide + CCl(4) treated rats showed minor histological alterations and thinner bands of collagen. The anti-fibrotic effect estimated by hydroxyproline was partial but significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thalidomide prevented necrosis, cholestasis and fibrosis induced by CCl(4). Its mechanism of action may be related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha and anti-fibrotic activities reported previously.     

Efficacy of Chinese medicine Yi-gan-kang granule in prophylaxis and treatment of liver fibrosis in rats

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of a Chinese medicine, Yi-gan-kang granule (granules for benefiting the liver), in prophylaxis and treatment of liver fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (20 each): group 1, blank control group without any interference during the study; group 2, CCI4-induced liver fibrosis group; group 3, pig serum-induced liver fibrosis group; group 4, prophylaxis group of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 5, prophylaxis group of pig serum-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 6, treatment group of CCI4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang; group 7, treatment group of CCI4-induced liver fibrosis by Yi-gan-kang. At wk 6,10,14 and 20 (baseline for CCl4., or big serum induction), five rats in each group were anesthetized and their livers were removed for pathological studies including immunohistochemical studies for α-SMA, type I collagen and In situ hybridization of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TTMP-1) mRNA of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Anti-lipid peroxidation in isolated mitochondria and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay for proliferation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-medicated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry and electron microscopy for apoptosis in isolated HSCs were also studied. RESULTS: The mean number of pseudolobuli at wk 10, 14 and 20 in the prophylaxis group was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.05 or 0.01). The effect of prophylaxis at wk 14 in CCI4 rats and at wk 10 in pig serum-induced rats was much better than that of treatment group (P<0.01). The thickness (in μm) of fibers both in pig serum-induced prophylaxis and in treatment groups at wk 14 and. 20 was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05). The number of fibers both in prophylaxis and in treatment groups from wk 10 or 14 to 20 was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The tissue HSC positive rates of type I collagen, α-SMA and TIMP-1 mRNA, which represented the active phenotype of HSCs in tissues, remained very high from wk 6 to the end of model making in control group. While in prophylaxis group, they were at a relatively low level. In treatment group, there was a gradual decreasing trend. Time- and dose-dependent effects of anti-lipid peroxidation on isolated mitochondria, cell proliferation and apoptosis in cultured HSCs were also observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Yi-gan-kang can effectively inhibit or inverse the course of liver fibrogenesis in CCI4- and pig serum-induced rat models.