姜黄素对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中NF-κB及ERK-1 mRNA表达的影响

目的 探讨核转录因子-κB(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)及细胞外信号调节激酶(extracegular signal-reglulated kinase,ERK)mRNA在CCl4致实验性肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中的表达及姜黄素(curcumin,CUR)对它们的影响.方法 建立CCl4致大鼠实验性肝纤维化的模型,用免疫组化法比较正常组、模型组及CUR组的α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达,用RT-PCR法比较各组肝组织NF-κB及ERK-1 mRNA的表达.结果 模型组中,ERK-1及NF-κB mRNA的表达均增高,而CUR组α平滑肌肌动蛋白则较模型组低,NF-κB及ERK-1 mRNA的表达也降低.结论 CUR可能通过抑制α-SMA的表达,减弱NF-κB诱导的肝星状细胞的活化及抑制ERK-1促肝星状细胞的增殖,从而产生抗四氯化碳诱导的大鼠肝纤维化的作用.     

肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中NF-κB及ERK-1mRNA的表达

目的 探讨核转录因子-kB(NF-kB)及细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)mRNA在CCl4致实验性肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中的表达及其与肝纤维化的关系.方法 建立CCl4致大鼠实验性肝纤维化的模型,用免疫组化法比较正常组,模型组的α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达,用RT-PCR法比较各组肝组织NF-kB以及ERK-1mRNA的表达.结果 模型组中,ERK-1及NF-KBmRNA的表达均增高.结论 ERK通路介导的促增殖作用与NF-kB通路介导的促炎症反应,促进HSC的激活、增殖,在肝纤维化的发生发展中均是不可或缺的.     

EGCG对肝纤维化大鼠TGF-β1和CTGF表达的影响

目的:研究表没食子儿茶素-3-没食子酸酯(EGCG)的抗肝纤维化作用及其机制.方法:运用腹腔注射CCl4构建大鼠肝纤维化模型,观察EGCG对大鼠肝纤维化的影响.运用HE染色、Massion三色染色检测肝纤维化的变化;生化检测血清丙氨酸转移酶(ALT)及天冬氨酸转移酶(AST);同时检测肝组织的羟脯氨酸、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)和硫代巴比妥酸反应底物(TBARS)含量.免疫组织化学法观察α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达;分别运用RT-PCR和Western blot法检测转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)及结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)mRNA和蛋白质表达.结果:EGCG对CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化程度具有显著的抑制作用.EGcG对肝细胞具有显著的保护作用,与纤维化模型组比较,EGCG干预组血清ALT、AST水平降低(138.4±45.8vs 234.6±63.2,96.4±20.5 vs 186.2±36.6,均P<0.05).EGCG显著抑制肝组织α-SMA的表达.EGCG通过抑制TBARS的形成和提高GSH含量,显著改善CCl4诱导的肝纤维化大鼠肝脏的氧化状态.同时EGCG显著抑制肝组织TGF-β1及CTGF的mRNA和蛋白质的表达(均P<0.05).结论:EGCG能够显著抑制肝纤维化的进展,其机制与EGCG改善大鼠肝脏的氧化状态及抑制TGF-β1和CTGF的表达有关.     

四甲基吡嗪对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中肌细胞增强因子2A表达的影响

目的:观察四甲基吡嗪对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织中肌细胞增强因子2A(myocyte enhancer factor2A,MEF2A)表达的影响.方法:以SD大鼠为实验对象,采用60%四氯化碳(CCl4)皮下注射(0.3ml/ 100g体重,每周两次),复制CCl4肝纤维化动物模型.四甲基吡嗪预防组和四甲基吡嗪治疗组分别自造模之日起和造模开始后第31天给予四甲基吡嗪(10mg/ 100g体重,灌胃,1次/d).实验第12周取肝组织,采用实时荧光定量PCR法检测各组动物肝组织中MEF2A mRNA表达水平;用Western blot检测各期动物肝组织中MEF2A与α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle action,α-SMA)含量.结果:与正常组大鼠相比,模型组大鼠肝组织中的MEF2A mRNA和蛋白及α-SMA表达增高(P＜0.01),四甲基吡嗪预防组和四甲基吡嗪治疗组大鼠上述指标高于正常组,但均低于模型组(P＜0.01,P＜0.05);大鼠肝组织中MEF2A和α-SMA表达呈正相关.结论:MEF2A表达强弱与肝纤维化程度相关,四甲基吡嗪能有效减轻CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化,有效抑制MEF2A的表达.     

甲珠对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织α-SMA表达的影响

目的 研究甲珠对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织α-SMA表达的影响并探讨其抗纤维化机制.方法 采用40％ CCl4皮下注射,制备肝纤维化模型并以甲珠不同剂量干预,测定肝组织α-SMA表达及α-SMA mRNA的表达情况,并通过光镜观察肝组织病理变化.结果 甲珠各组较模型组肝组织中α-SMA表达及α-SMAmRNA的表达显著降低,肝组织氧化损伤程度明显改善(P＜0.05),肝组织病理变化改善(P＜0.05).结论 甲珠对CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化有较好的防治作用.     

沉默结缔组织生长因子对大鼠肝纤维化的影响

目的 研究结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)小干扰RNA(siRNA)在CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型中的抗肝纤维化作用及其对肝星状细胞(HSC)激活的影响.方法 雄性SD大鼠24只,随机分成4组.模型组:皮下注射CCl4及经门静脉注射等渗盐水,每3 d 1次,连续6周(给药频率与时间,下同);CTGF siRNA干预组:皮下注射CCl4及经门静脉注射CTGF siRNA ;对照siRNA干预组:皮下注射CCl4及经门静脉注射对照siRNA;正常对照组:经门静脉注射等渗盐水.用HE染色和Sirius red染色评估大鼠肝组织学变化,Western blot检测肝组织CTGF及α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的表达,免疫组织化学染色评估肝组织α-SMA阳性细胞数量.对实验数据用单因素方差分析或Kruskal-Wallis检验分析.结果 模型组及对照siRNA组大鼠肝组织CTGF及α-SMA蛋白表达显著上调,α-SMA染色阳性细胞数量明显增加.与模型组相比,CTGF siRNA组CTGF及α-SMA蛋白表达分别下调95%±2%和86%±11%(F值分别为21.234和12.473,P值均＜0.01);肝组织α-SMA染色阳性细胞数减少76%±9%(F=9.179,P＜0.01);组织学检查显示肝纤维化程度明显减轻.结论 siRNA沉默CTGF基因能显著减轻大鼠实验性肝纤维化,减少活化HSC数量可能是其改善肝纤维化的主要机制之一.     

外源Smad7基因对四氯化碳诱导大鼠实验性肝纤维化的影响

目的研究外源Smad7基因对四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导的大鼠实验性肝纤维化的影响。方法将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组。第一组为正常对照组,其余3组采用CCl4皮下注射法建立大鼠肝纤维化模型,并在实验第2周和第4周分别经尾静脉导入生理盐水、重组复制缺陷型腺病毒AdSmad7或对照病毒AdGFP。标准酶法测定各组大鼠肝功能情况;放射免疫法测定血清Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、层粘连蛋白(LN)、Ⅳ型胶原(CⅣ)水平;RT-PCR法检测大鼠肝组织Smad7 mRNA表达。免疫组织化学法测定α-肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、Smad7表达;肝组织切片采用HE和VG染色进行肝纤维化程度分级。结果与模型对照组相比,AdSmad7导入组大鼠血清谷丙转氨酶(GPT)和碱性磷酸酶(AKP)水平有不同程度的降低,GPT降低更明显;血清PCⅢ和LN水平也显著下降(P0.05)。RT-PCR和免疫组织化学染色证实,AdSmad7导入组大鼠肝组织Smad7表达显著上调,而α-SMA表达则明显下降(P0.05)。病理学检查显示:AdSmad7导入组大鼠肝组织结缔组织增生程度减轻,纤维间隔变细,假小叶形成不明显,与模型对照组比较有显著性差异(P0.05)。结论重组复制缺陷型腺病毒AdSmad7经尾静脉注射后可在大鼠肝组织中表达;外源Smad7基因可改善纤维化大鼠肝功能,降低血清PCⅢ水平,下调α-SMA表达,减轻大鼠肝纤维化程度。     

水蛭桃仁汤对肝纤维化大鼠HSC活化及TGF-β1表达的影响

观察水蛭桃仁汤对肝纤维化大鼠肝星状细胞(HSC)活化及转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)表达的影响,并探讨其对肝纤维化是否具有治疗作用及其作用机制.方法:以二甲基亚硝胺(DMN)制备大鼠肝纤维化模型,同时给予水蛭桃仁汤灌胃治疗.免疫组化法检测肝组织的α-平滑肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和TGF-β1,并做组织病理学检测.结果:经图像分析,药物防治组α-SMA和TGF-β1较模型组显著减少(均为P＜0.01);结论:水蛭桃仁汤对DMN诱导的实验性大鼠肝纤维化具有良好的防治作用.     

绞股蓝总皂苷对四氯化碳诱导的肝纤维化大鼠肝组织基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制物的影响

目的:观察绞股蓝总皂苷对CCl4(四氯化碳)诱导的大鼠肝纤维化基质金属蛋白酶(MMPs)及其抑制物(TIMPs)的影响。方法:采用CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型,分为正常组(n=6)、造模组(n=36),造模6周后,造模组大鼠死亡2只,剩余大鼠分为模型组(n=12)、绞股蓝总皂苷组(n=11)、秋水仙碱组(n=11)。造模第7周开始给药(剂量按公斤体重绞股蓝总皂苷200mg.kg-1.d-1、秋水仙碱0.1mg.kg-1.d-1),给药3周。观察:①大鼠一般情况变化;②肝组织羟脯氨酸(Hydroxyproline,Hyp)含量;③肝组织天狼星红染色;④肝组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA):免疫组化染色;⑤肝组织MMP-2、MMP-9活性:明胶酶谱实验;⑥肝组织TIMP-1、TIMP-2蛋白表达:western-blot检测。结果:较之正常组,模型组大鼠肝组织Hyp含量显著增高,肝脏纤维增生明显,肝组织α-SMA阳性表达及肝组织MMP-2、MMP-9活性和肝组织TIMP-1、TIMP-2蛋白表达显著增加。而绞股蓝总皂苷组较模型组大鼠的肝组织Hyp含量和纤维增生程度显著降低、α-SMA阳性表达减轻,MMP-2、MMP-9活性和TIMP-1、TIMP-2蛋白表达均显著下降。结论:绞股蓝总皂苷有显著的抗肝纤维化作用,其机理与抑制肝星状细胞活化及调节胶原代谢有关。     

银杏叶提取物对实验性大鼠肝纤维化的逆转作用

[目的]观察银杏叶提取物(EGb)对四氯化碳(CCl4)诱导大鼠肝纤维化病理过程的逆转作用.[方法]采用CCl4腹腔注射诱导大鼠肝纤维化模型成功后,予EGb或0.85%氯化钠灌胃,8周后用苏木精-伊红染色、苦味酸-酸性品红染色和网状纤维染色观察大鼠肝脏病理变化,酶动力法检测肝功能,SP免疫组化法检测肝组织中α-肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β2)、Ⅰ型胶原表达的变化,RT-PCR法检测肝组织中TGF-β1、Ⅰ型胶原、金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子(TIMP1)的表达情况.[结果]EGb可促进大鼠肝纤维化的逆转,使肝组织中α-SMA、TGF-β1、Ⅰ型胶原、TIMP1的表达降低(P＜0.01);肝功能改善(P＜0.01);肝组织纤维化程度分级好转,胶原纤维、网状纤维所占面积显著缩小(P＜0.01).[结论]EGb能有效逆转大鼠肝纤维化病理过程,其作用机制为抗脂质过氧化、保护肝细胞和抑制肝星状细胞活化,抑制TGF-β1、Ⅰ型胶原、TIMP1的合成,从而逆转纤维化的形成.     

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。     

Antifibrotic effects of interleukin-10 on experimental hepatic fibrosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To study the effects of interleukin-10 on hepatic stellate cells and liver tissue in experimental rats hepatic fibrosis. METHODOLOGY: Rat hepatic fibrosis model induced by carbon tetrachloride was established. Liver tissues were harvested from the rats administered CCl4 with or without IL-10 treatment and the animals of the control group. The expression of TGF-beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in the liver tissues was measured by S-P immunohistochemistry. In addition, another model was established; HSCs in rats in each group were isolated. RT-PCR was employed to analyze TGF-beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression in cells and immunocytochemistry was performed to detect protein expression of alpha-SMA, NF-kappaB, TGF-beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in HSCs. RESULTS: Rat hepatic fibrosis was developed successfully. The fibrosis changes were partially reversed by simultaneous administration of IL-10. The positive signals of TGF-beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were observed more frequently (P<0.05) in the CCl4-treated group compared to those in the IL-10-treated group and the control group. HSCs were successfully isolated. TGF-beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA in HSCs increased obviously during the course of hepatic fibrosis, and their levels were decreased after the treatment with IL-10 (P<0.05). The immunocytochemistry positive levels for TGF-beta1, MMP-2, TIMP-1, alpha-SMA and NF-kappaB in the fibrogenesis group were increased significantly compared to the normal group (P<0.01). The positive signals decreased significantly (P<0.05) after the treatment with IL-10. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of TGF-beta1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 increased in liver or in HSC of hepatic fibrosis rats and decreased after treatment with IL-10. The IL-10 could inhibit the activation of HSCs and make an antifibrogenic process come into effect in this way.     

姜黄素对实验性肝纤维化大鼠肝脏bax和bcl-2表达的影响

[目的]探讨姜黄素(curcumin,CUR)对大鼠肝纤维化的防治作用及对肝组织bax和bcl-2蛋白及基因表达的影响.[方法]建立CCl4致大鼠实验性肝纤维化模型.用免疫组化法比较正常组、模型组以及CUR组的bcl2、bax蛋白的表达,用RT-PCR法比较各组肝组织bcb-2、bax mRNA的表达.[结果]CUR组肝组织炎症和纤维化程度较模型组显著减轻.bax蛋白主要表达在肝细胞质,而纤维间隔及汇管区呈低表达;beb-2主要表达在纤维间隔及汇管区.bax及bcl-2在模型组及CUR组表达均高于正常组(P<0.01),CUR组均较模型组降低(P<0.01).bax及bcI-2 mRNA在模型组及CUR组表达比正常组增高(P<0.01,<0.05),CUR组均较模型组降低(P<0.05).[结论]CUR可能通过降低肝细胞表达bax、减少肝细胞凋亡而减轻肝脏损伤,通过降低bcl-2表达、诱导肝星状细胞凋亡发挥减轻肝纤维化的作用,防治大鼠肝纤维化.     

Effect of Oxymatrine on the TGFbeta-Smad signaling pathway in rats with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis

AIM： To explore the anti-fibrotic effect of Oxymatrine on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its modulation on the TGFbeta-Smad signaling pathway. METHODS： One hundred healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups： normal group （n = 20）, treatment group of Oxymatrine （n = 40） and CCh-induced fibrosis group （n = 40）. Experimental hepatic fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride （CCh soluted in liquid paraffin with the concentration of 300 g/L, the dosage of injection was 3 mL/kg, twice per week for 8 wk）. The treated rats received Oxymatrine via celiac injection at a dosage of 10 mg/kg twice a week at the same time. The deposition of collagen was observed with H＆E and Masson staining. The concentration of serum TGF-β1 was assayed with ELISA. The gene expression of Smads and CBP （CREB binding protein） was detected with in situ hybridization （ISH） and immunohistochemistry （IH）, respectively. All the experimental figures were scanned and analyzed with special figure-analysis software. RESULTS： A significant reduction of collagen deposition and rearrangement of the parenchyma was noted in the liver tissue of Oxymatrine-treated rats. The semi- quantitative histological scores （2.43 ± 0.47 μm^2 vs 3.76 ±0.68, P 〈 0.05） and average area of collagen/in those rats were significantly decreased when compared with hepatic cirrhosis model rats （94.41 ± 37.26 μm^2 vs 290.86 ± 89.37 μm^2, P 〈 0.05）. The gene expression of Smad 3 mRNA was considerably decreased in the treated animals. The A value of Smad 3 mRNA was lower in the treated rats than the model rats （0.034 ± 0.090 vs 0.167 ± 0.092, P 〈 0.05）. Contrarily, the A value of Smad 7 mRNA was increased considerably in the treated animals （0.175 ± 0.065 vs 0.074 vs 0.012, P 〈 0.05）. There was an obvious decrease in the expression of CBP mRNA in treated rats as illuminated by a reduction of its A value when compared with model rats （0.065±0.049 vs 0.235 ?     

实验性肝纤维化大鼠MMPs和TIMPs mRNA表达及中药小柴胡汤的作用

目的 探讨大鼠肝纤维化过程中MMP-2、TIMP-1 mRNA表达及小柴胡汤对其的影响.方法 用40%的四氯化碳制备大鼠肝纤维化模型,并用不同剂量的小柴胡汤进行干预.应用HE常规染色法对肝组织切片行组织病理学检查;应用逆转录聚合酶链反应法(RT-PCR)半定量测定大鼠肝组织中MMP-2、TIMP-1 mRNA的表达.结果 (1)肝组织病理学检查结果显示:小柴胡汤治疗组与模型组相比,肝纤维化程度显著减轻.(2)病理模型组TIMP-1 mRNA与正常对照组比明显升高(P＜0.01);而MMP-2 mRNA却明显降低(P＜0.05).(3)小柴胡汤治疗组TIMP-l mRNA与模型组比显著降低(P＜0.01),而MMP-2 mRNA与模型组无差异(P＞0.05).结论 TIMP-1 mRNA在肝纤维化过程中升高;小柴胡汤能显著减轻大鼠肝纤维化程度,其可能通过下调TIMP-1 mRNA的表达发挥作用.     

肝星状细胞表达醛固酮合成酶基因及安体舒通抗肝纤维化的研究

目的研究醛固酮合成酶基因-CYP11B2在大鼠肝组织中的表达与肝纤维化的关系及安体舒通抗肝纤维化的作用。方法取雄性Wistar大鼠120只,随机分为3组,每组40只。模型组CCl4油0.25ml/100mg皮下注射,3次/周;安体舒通组CCl4油注射的同时予以安体舒通20mg     

坎地沙坦对肝纤维化大鼠胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-2表达的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体拮抗剂(ARB)坎地沙坦对大鼠四氯化碳(CCl4)肝纤维化模型的疗效,观察坎地沙坦对肝纤维化大鼠胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-2(IGFBP-2)的影响.方法 制备CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型同时应用坎地沙坦灌胃,共8周.留取各组的血和肝组织,通过HE及Masson染色观察各组肝纤维化的程度.采用SABC免疫组织化学方法检测大鼠肝组织中IGFBP-2的表达水平,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清中IGFBP-2的水平.结果 经CCl4诱导成功建立大鼠肝纤维化模型.随着肝纤维化程度的进展,IGFBP-2在肝组织中阳性表达增强(P<0.05);坎地沙坦治疗组IGFBP-2阳性表达较肝纤维化模型组均减弱(P<0.05).结论 坎地沙坦具有良好的抗肝纤维化作用,可能与IGFBP-2降低有关.     

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.     

Inhibitive effect of cordyceps sinensis on experimental hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanism

AIM: To investigate the inhibitive effect and its possible mechanism of Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) on CCl4-plus ethanolinduced hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental rats.METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model control group and a CS group. The latter two groups were administered with CCl4 and ethanol solution at the beginning of the experiment to induce hepatic fibrosis. The CS group was also treated with CS 10 days after the beginning of CCl4 and ethanol administration. All control groups were given corresponding placebo at the same time. At the end of the 9th week, rats in each group were humanely sacrificed. Blood and tissue specimens were taken.Biochemical, radioimmunological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological examinations were used to determine the level change of ALT, AST, HA, LN content in serum and TGFβ1, PDGF, collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ expression in tissue at either protein or mRNA level or both of them.RESULTS: As compared with the model control group,serum ALr, AST, HA, and LN content levels were markedly dropped in CS group (86.0±34.4 vs224.3±178.9, 146.7±60.2vs272.6±130.1, 202.0±79.3 vs316.5±94.1 and 50.4±3.0vs 59.7±9.8, respectively, P＜0.05). Tissue expression of TGFβ1 and its mRNA, collagen I mRNA were also markedly decreased (0.2±0.14 vs1.73±1.40, 1.68±0.47 vs3.17±1.17,1.10±0.84 vs 2.64±1.40, respectively, P＜0.05). More dramatical drop could be seen in PDGF expression (0.87±0.43vs1.91±0.74, P＜0.01). Although there was no statistical significance, it was still strongly suggested that collagen Ⅲ mRNA expression was also decreased in CS group as compared with model control group (0.36±0.27 vs0.95±0.65,P=0.0615). In this experiment, no significant change could be found in PDGF mRNA expression between two groups (0.35±0.34 vs 0.70±0.46, P＞0.05).CONCLUSION: Cordyceps sinensis could inhibit hepatic fibrogenesis derived from chronic liver injury, retard the development of cirrhosis, and notably ameliorate the liver function. Its possible mechanism involves inhibiting TGFβ1expression, and thereby, down regulating PDGF expression,preventing HSC activation and deposition of procollagen Ⅰand Ⅲ.