Smads在日本血吸虫病小鼠肝纤维化形成过程中的表达

目的　从转录水平研究参与转化生长因子β1(transforminggrowthfactor beta 1,TGF β1)信号传导的Smads分子在日本血吸虫病小鼠肝纤维化形成过程中的表达。　方法　以日本血吸虫尾蚴感染BALB/c小鼠形成肝纤维化动物模型,分别于感染后第 8、12、16和24周取小鼠肝组织 ,作病理学检测,观察肝纤维化程度,采用逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT PCR)的方法检测模型组和正常组小鼠肝组织中Smad2、Smad3、Smad4和Smad7的mRNA水平。　结果　Smad 2mRNA水平在感染12周后表达下降(P<0.05),16周后恢复正常,2 4周后再次下降(P<0.05)。Smad 3mRNA水平在感染后 16周开始明显升高 ,达正常水平的2倍(P<0.05)。Smad4和Smad7的mRNA水平在肝纤维化形成过程中与正常组比较无明显差异。　结论　Smad3促进肝纤维化形成。Smad2对肝纤维化形成具有双效性 ,即感染初期属于促进因子 ,感染后期属于抑制因子。     

吡喹酮治疗血吸虫病肝纤维化的实验研究

目的观察吡喹酮对血吸虫病肝纤维化的治疗作用。方法将小鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组、吡喹酮组。模型组、吡喹酮组小鼠经腹部皮肤感染日本血吸虫尾蚴诱导肝纤维化模型,吡喹酮组于感染8周后灌胃吡喹酮治疗2次。16周末测小鼠血清中ALT、AST;观察小鼠肝脏形态,HE染色观察肝纤维化病理组织变化,测定虫卵肉芽肿面积;免疫组化测定肝脏Ⅰ和Ⅲ型胶原表达。结果吡喹酮治疗可降低血吸虫病肝纤维化小鼠肝脏指数及血清ALT、AST,改善肝组织形态结构,降低肝脏Ⅰ和Ⅲ型胶原表达及虫卵肉芽肿面积。结论吡喹酮对血吸虫病肝纤维化有明显治疗作用。     

柯里拉京对血吸虫病小鼠肝组织白细胞介素-13表达的影响及其抗肝纤维化疗效研究

目的：研究柯里拉京对感染日本血吸虫病所致小鼠肝组织虫卵肉芽肿的疗效和抗肝纤维化的作用,并观察其对肝组织白细胞介素13（IL-13）表达的影响。方法：21只BALB/c小鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、治疗组,每组7只,模型组和治疗组小鼠同时感染日本血吸虫,感染6周后治疗组小鼠给予柯里拉京生理盐水溶液灌胃30天,同时正常组和模型组小鼠给予等量生理盐水灌胃。干预结束后比较各组小鼠肝脏虫卵肉芽肿大小、纤维化评分,同时检测肝组织羟脯氨酸与IL-13含量。结果：柯里拉京组小鼠肝脏虫卵肉芽肿大小、纤维化评分、肝组织羟脯氨酸及IL-13含量明显低于模型组,均具有统计学意义（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）。结论：柯里拉京能明显减轻血吸虫虫卵肉芽肿所致肝纤维化,减少促纤维化型细胞因子IL-13的分泌,延缓纤维化的进展。     

吡喹酮对血吸虫病肝纤维化小鼠肝组织Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响

目的观察吡喹酮(Praziquantel)治疗对血吸虫病肝纤维化小鼠肝组织中与凋亡相关基因Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响。方法建立小鼠血吸虫病肝纤维化模型。模型对照组不做治疗,吡喹酮治疗组按500 mg/kg给药,1次/d,连用2 d。10周后处死小鼠,取肝组织制片,免疫组化染色(SP法),观察小鼠肝组织中Bcl-2和Bax的表达水平;HE染色观察肝组织的病理学变化。实验设正常小鼠对照。结果模型对照组和治疗组小鼠肝组织Bcl-2、Bax表达水平较正常对照组显著增高(P<0.01或P<0.05);治疗组Bcl-2水平显著高于模型对照组(P<0.05),而Bax的表达水平2组间差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论吡喹酮可能通过促进Bcl-2表达,减少肝细胞的变性坏死,阻止血吸虫病肝纤维化的发生。     

干扰素-α通过PD-1/PD-L1途径减轻HBV感染引起的肝组织损伤和肝纤维化

目的:探讨干扰素-α(IFN-α)对乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染引起的肝组织损伤和肝纤维化的作用及机制。方法:将BALB/c小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组与IFN-α组,每组小鼠各15只。经尾静脉高压快速注射pAAV/HBV1.2制备HBV感染小鼠模型,IFN-α组小鼠在此基础上注射pKCMvint.IFN-α。于模型构建4周后,观察小鼠一般情况,ELISA法测定HBV血清学指标、肝功能指标及IFN-α水平,qPCR技术测定血清HBV DNA复制水平,HE染色法观察肝组织形态学改变,Masson染色观察肝组织纤维化程度,免疫组化染色法、蛋白免疫印迹法及RT-PCR技术测定肝组织PD-1和PD-L1表达。结果:与模型组比较,IFN-α组小鼠肝细胞损伤明显减轻,仅有少量炎症浸润,肝组织内纤维化染色减少。IFN-α组小鼠血清乙型肝炎e抗原(HBeAg)、乙型肝炎表面抗原(HBsAg)及HBV DNA水平均显著低于模型组(P<0.05)。模型组小鼠血清谷草转氨酶(AST)和谷丙转氨酶(ALT)水平显著高于对照组小鼠(P<0.05);IFN-α组小鼠血清IFN-α水平显著高于模型组,AST...     

T淋巴细胞介导的小鼠免疫性肝纤维化模型的建立及形态学观察

目的 建立刀豆蛋白A诱导的T淋巴细胞介导的小鼠免疫性肝纤维化模型凌晨进行形态学观察。方法 BALB/C小鼠随机分组。模型组、CD4抗体处理组、CD8抗体处理组、地塞米松处理组和裸鼠组静脉注射刀豆蛋白A;CD4、CD8抗体处理组、地塞米松注射组和裸鼠组共注射5周,模型组共注射20周,分别于相应的时间点取血、取肝脏组织统一保存。检测ALT水平,进行肝脏组织苏木精-伊红染色、免疫组织化学染色和Van Gieson胶原纤维染色。结果 模型组接受刀豆蛋白A刺激后,ALT水平明显高于正常对照组,而CD4抗体处理组、地塞米松处理组和裸鼠组ALT水平明显低于模型组,CD8抗体处理组ALT水平则与阳性组无明显差异。肝组织冰冻切片免疫组织化学染色提示肝组织内淋巴细胞浸润以CD4^ T淋巴细胞为主。模型组病理检查提示肝纤维化发生。结论 反复刀豆蛋白A刺激可以建立T淋巴细胞介导的小鼠免疫性肝纤维化模型。     

小鼠酒精性肝纤维化复合模型的建立及肝组织骨桥蛋白和转化生长因子β1的表达

目的 快速建立小鼠酒精陛肝纤维化模型,为酒精性肝纤维化发病机制及防治策略的研究奠定基础.方法 64只C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为对照组、四氯化碳组、乙醇组、溶剂对照组及乙醇+四氯化碳组.乙醇+四氯化碳组小鼠,造模前4周以含4％乙醇Lieber-DeCarli液体饲料喂养,第5周起联合5％四氯化碳腹腔注射,于造模第0、4、5、6、7、8周各处死6只.其余各组小鼠于造模第8周处死.采用酶法检测小鼠血清ALT及AST水平;HE及Masson染色观察肝组织病理学变化,并对肝脂肪变、炎症活动及纤维化程度评分.免疫组织化学染色观察肝组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达变化;实时定量RT-PCR及Western blot方法检测肝组织骨桥蛋白(OPN)及转化生长因子β 1 (TGFβ1)mRNA及蛋白表达动态变化.结果 乙醇+四氯化碳组小鼠于造模第4周出现轻～中度肝脂肪变,第5周出现炎细胞浸润,窦周出现纤维组织沉积,第6～7周肝小叶内可见点、灶状肝细胞坏死,炎细胞浸润、窦周纤维组织沉积呈进行性加重,第8周肝细胞片状坏死,桥接纤维化形成.免疫组织化学染色显示:α-SMA主要表达于活化肝星状细胞及纤维组织沉积区域,随造模时间延长表达逐渐增强.乙醇+四氯化碳组小鼠肝组织OPN表达随造模时间延长逐渐增强,第0、4、5、6、7、8周mRNA相对表达量依次为1.01±0.13、0.80±0.20、1.83±0.25、2.94±0.19、3.45±0.31及5.99±0.17,各组比较,F=476.270,P＜ 0.01;蛋白相对表达量依次为0.19±0.06、0.48±0.05、0.52±0.06、1.02±0.10、1.52±0.11及1.50±0.08,各组比较,F=298.027,P＜0.01.TGF β 1表达自第5周明显上调,并呈持续高表达,mRNA相对表达量依次为1.03±0.18、1.07±0.23、3.19±0.40、3.31±0.28、1.58±0.18及2.08±0.26,各组比较,F=85.546,P＜0.01;蛋白相对表达量依次为0.24±0.08、0.28±0.12、1.26±0.16、0.96±0.12、1.09±0.25、1.10±0.20,各组比较,F=43.639,P＜0.01.结论 Lieber-DeCarli乙醇液体饲料喂养联合微量四氯化碳腹腔注射可成功建立小鼠酒精性肝纤维化模型,符合酒精性肝纤维化病理特点及病变过程.肝组织OPN及TGFβl表达在酒精性肝纤维化发生及进展中发挥重要作用.     

肝脾调补合剂联合硫普罗宁治疗血吸虫病肝纤维化的实验研究

目的:观察肝脾调补合剂对血吸虫病肝纤维化小鼠的影响.方法:将30只昆明小鼠随机分为健康组、对照组与治疗组,采用日本血吸虫尾蚴攻击感染对照组和治疗组小鼠,16周后建立血吸虫病肝纤维化模型,治疗组小鼠用肝脾调补合剂灌胃(1ml/d)和硫普罗宁0.1g皮下注射;对照组小鼠单用硫普罗宁,均连续10周.观察小鼠肝肉芽肿改变,肝纤维化指标HA、LN、PⅢP和Ⅳ-C的变化.结果:治疗组小鼠治疗后肝纤维化指标明显好转,虫卵肉芽肿明显变小,与对照组相比,差异均有显著性意义(P＜0.05),治疗组小鼠肝纤维化指标HA、LN、PⅢP和Ⅳ-C均有明显下降,与对照组比较,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).结论:肝脾调补合剂与硫普罗宁联合应用能使血吸虫病肝纤维化小鼠肝纤维化指标下降,肉芽肿变小,能明显减轻肝纤维化程度.     

kielin/chordin样蛋白在肝纤维化模型中的动态表达及骨形成蛋白-7干预后的表达变化

目的 观察kielin/chordin样蛋白(kcp)在肝纤维化小鼠模型中的动态表达及骨形成蛋白-7(BMP-7)干预对其表达的影响,探讨治疗肝纤维化的新靶点.方法 健康雄性ICR小鼠50只,分为正常对照组(10只)、模型组(30只)和BMP-7干预组(10只),模型组再按造模不同时间点分4、8、12周3个亚组,每组10只.模型组小鼠皮下注射四氯化碳制备肝纤维化小鼠模型,BMP-7干预组在造模后第8周开始腹腔注射人重组BMP-7,持续4周.造模后各组小鼠下腔静脉采血测定血清ALT、AST和Alb;肝组织经HE和Masson染色后光学显微镜下观察各组病理变化;采用RT-PCR、免疫组织化学和Western印迹法分别检测各组kcp mRNA及蛋白表达情况.各组间均数比较采用单因素方差分析.结果 模型组血清ALT、AST升高,A1b降低,12周时达峰值,BMP-7干预组有所缓解,各组间比较,差异有统计学意义(F值=23.501、34.600、16.244,均P＜0.05).正常对照组kcp mRNA和蛋白表达很低,模型组则逐渐升高,BMP-7干预组有所缓解,差异有统计学意义(F值=30.362、10.727,P＜0.01或0.05).kcp mRNA表达水平与转化生长因子β1( TGF-β1)、BMP-7 mRNA表达水平均呈正相关(r=0.760、0.769,均P＜0.05).结论 BMP-7能改善小鼠肝纤维化;kcp可能参与肝纤维化发生发展过程,有望成为肝纤维化治疗的新靶点.     

膜联蛋白I在大鼠肝纤维化组织中的表达及意义

目的检测膜联蛋白Ⅰ（AnnexinⅠ）、转化生长因子（TGF）β1、α–平滑肌肌动蛋白（α–SMA）在大鼠肝纤维化组织中的表达,阐明AnnexinⅠ在肝纤维化中的作用机制。方法雄性SD大鼠随机分为健康对照组6只,肝纤维化模型组24只,采用二甲基亚硝胺（DMN）腹腔注射制备肝纤维化模型。肝纤维化模型组2、4、6、8周各6只大鼠门静脉采血检测血清ALT、AST,采用HE及Masson染色观察肝组织学变化,应用反转录聚合酶链反应（RT–PCR）检测肝组织AnnexinⅠ、TGFβ1、α–SMA mRNA表达,Western Blot法检测肝组织AnnexinⅠ表达。结果与对照组比较,肝纤维化模型组血清ALT、AST水平随损伤时间延长逐渐升高,4周达高峰,6周下降,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;正常肝组织有AnnexinⅠ、TGFβ1、αSMA低表达,2周即升高,4、6周较明显,8周下降,肝纤维化模型组与对照组在2、4、6、8周各时间点差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论 AnnexinⅠ对肝脏可能有保护作用,为临床肝纤维化的防治提供新策略     

Reduction of Portal Pressure by Chronic Administration of Isosorbide Dinitrate in Patients with Cirrhosis: Effects on Systemic and Splanchnic Hemodynamics and Liver Function

We investigated the chronic effects of isosorbide dinitrate on systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics and liver function in 13 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Placebo administration for 4 wk (n = 4) had no significant effects on these parameters. In contrast, oral administration of 40 mg/day of isosorbide dinitrate for 4 wk (n = 9) caused a significant fall in portal pressure (-18%, p less than 0.02), as evaluated by measurements of the hepatic venous pressure gradient with no modification in hepatic blood flow (from 0.72 +/- 0.29 to 0.71 +/- 0.34 L/min, NS), suggesting decreased intrahepatic or collateral vascular resistance. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between the changes in mean arterial pressure and hepatic venous pressure gradient (r = 0.42). Thus, it seems unlikely that a reduction in portal blood inflow by baroreceptor-mediated reflex splanchnic vasoconstriction contributed to the fall in portal pressure. In addition, this drug had no adverse effects on liver function, as evaluated by measurements of the intrinsic clearance. These results suggest that chronic administration of isosorbide dinitrate could be a potentially useful and associated with cirrhosis.     

Effects of interferon-alpha on expression of hepatic stellate cell and transforming growth factor-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin in rats with hepatic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of interferon-α(IFN-α) on preventing or reversing hepatic fibrosis in rat experimental model induced by CCl4.METHODS: One hundred and ten Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: group A (normal controls,n=18), group B (fibrotic model controls, n=22), group C (IFN-α prevention, n=22) initially treated with intra-muscular injection of IFN-α in saline daily at the doses of 1&#215;105U for 6wk, group D (IFN-α treatment, n=24) treated with intra-muscular injection of IFN-α in saline daily at the doses of 1&#215;105U for 6wk after the first 6wk, group E (0.9% sodium chloride treatment control, n=24) treated with intra-muscular injection of 0.01mL/kg daily for 6wk after the first 6wk. At the end of the experiment, all rats of each group were killed. Samples of the liver obtained by biopsy were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies for the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA).RESULTS: The expressions of TGF-β1, the number of activated hepatic stellate cells and α-SMA in hepatic tissue of group C were significantly less than those of group B(P&lt;0.01). The degree of fibrosis score in group B was also significantly less than that of group C under light microscope (P&lt;0.01).CONCLUSION: IFN-α can inhibit the production of TGF-β1, decrease HSC activation and stimulate its apoptosis.     

Effects of interferon-alpha on expression of hepatic stellate cell and transforming growth factor-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin in rats with hepatic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of interferon-α (IFN-α) onpreventing or reversing hepatic fibrosis in rat experimental model induced by CCl4.METHODS: One hundred and ten Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: group A (normal controls, n = 18), group B (fibrotic model controls, n = 22), group C (IFN-α prevention, n = 22) initially treated with intramuscular injection of IFN-α in saline daily at the doses of 1×105 U for 6 wk, group D (IFN-α treatment, n = 24) treated with intra-muscular injection of IFN-α in saline daily atthe doses of 1×105 U for 6 wk after the first 6 wk, group E (0.9% sodium chloride treatment control, n = 24) treated with intra-muscular injection of 0.01 mL/kg daily for 6 wk after the first 6 wk. At the end of the experiment, all rats of each group were killed. Samples of the liver obtained by biopsy were subjected to histological, immunohistochemicaland electron microscopic studies for the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF- β1) and α-smoothmuscle actin (α-SMA).RESULTS: The expressions of TGF-β1, the number of activated hepatic stellate cells and α-SMA in hepatic tissue of group C were significantly less than those of group B (P＜0.01). The degree of fibrosis score in group B was also significantly less than that of group C under light microscope (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION: IFN-α can inhibit the production of TGF-β1,decrease HSC activation and stimulate its apoptosis.     

Effect of Yiguanjian decoction on cell differentiation and proliferation in CCl₄-treated mice

AIM: To investigate the cellular mechanisms of action of Yiguanjian (YGJ) decoction in treatment of chronic hepatic injury.METHODS: One group of mice was irradiated, and received enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive bone marrow transplants followed by 13 wk of CCl₄ injection and 6 wk of oral YGJ administration. A second group of Institute for Cancer Research mice was treated with 13 wk of CCl₄ injection and 6 wk of oral YGJ administration. Liver function, histological changes in the liver, and Hyp content were analyzed. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), F4/80, albumin (Alb), EGFP, mitogen-activated protein kinase-2 (PKM2), Ki-67, α fetoprotein (AFP), monocyte chemotaxis protein-1 and CC chemokine receptor 2 were assayed.RESULTS: As hepatic damage progressed, EGFP-positive marrow cells migrated into the liver and were mainly distributed along the fibrous septa. They showed a conspicuous coexpression of EGFP with α-SMA and F4/80 but no coexpression with Alb. Moreover, the expression of PKM2, AFP and Ki-67 was enhanced dynamically and steadily over the course of liver injury. YGJ abrogated the increases in the number of bone marrow-derived fibrogenic cells in the liver, inhibited expression of both progenitor and mature hepatocyte markers, and reduced fibrogenesis.CONCLUSION: YGJ decoction improves liver fibrosis by inhibiting the migration of bone marrow cells into the liver as well as inhibiting their differentiation and suppressing the proliferation of both progenitors and hepatocytes in the injured liver.     

Antifibrotic effect of heparin on liver fibrosis model in rats

AIM: To evaluate the effect of chronic thrombin inhibition by heparin on experimentally induced chronic liver injury (liver fibrosis) in rats.METHODS: Chronic liver injury (liver fibrosis) was induced in Wistar rats by oral administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for 7 wk, an animal model with persistent severe hepatic fibrosis. Intravenous administration of the thrombin antagonist (heparin) started 1 wk after the start of CCl₄ intoxication for 6 wk. After completion of treatment (7 wk), markers of hepatic dysfunction were measured and changes evaluated histopathologically.RESULTS: Higher serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels, as well as lower fibrinogen levels, were found in CCl₄ intoxicated rats. Heparin, silymarin and combination of drug (heparin and silymarin) treatment for 6 wk prevented a rise in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels and improved fibrinogen levels. Deterioration in hepatic function determined by the fibrosis area was retarded, as evident from hepatic histopathology. Total protein levels were not changed in all groups.CONCLUSION: Heparin, a thrombin antagonist, preserved hepatic function and reduced severity of hepatic dysfunction/fibrogenesis. Combination of heparin and silymarin produced additional benefits on liver fibrosis.     

Long-term melatonin administration reduces hyperinsulinemia and improves the altered fatty-acid compositions in type 2 diabetic rats via the restoration of Delta-5 desaturase activity

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term melatonin administration on plasma levels of triglycerides, insulin and leptin, and on the fatty-acid metabolism of plasma and hepatic lipids in type 2 diabetic rats. Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats, an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, were divided into two groups: one untreated (n=6), and one implanted with time-releasing melatonin pellets (1.1 mg/day for 30 wk) under the abdominal skin (n=6). Age-matched Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats (n=6) were used as healthy controls. The untreated diabetic rats had the increased plasma levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin and leptin at 35 wk, as compared with the healthy control rats (n=6). The diabetic rats also had augmented ratios of 20:3n-6/20:4n-6 fatty acids, owing to diminished activity of Delta-5 desaturase, an insulin-permissive enzyme, in the liver. Melatonin administration to OLETF rats reduced the hypertriglyceridemia (-39%, P < 0.05), hyperinsulinemia (-33%, P < 0.01) and hyperleptinemia (-43%, P < 0.01), and restored hepatic Delta-5 desaturase activity (148%, P < 0.005). This resulted in a return to normal ratios of 20:3n-6/20:4n-6 fatty acids in plasma and hepatic lipids. There was a significant correlation (r=0.64, P < 0.005) between plasma levels of insulin and the ratios of 20:3n-6/20:4n-6 in plasma phospholipids of all rats in the three groups. Thus, subcutaneous implantation of a melatonin-releasing pellet thus resulted in improved lipid metabolism in diabetic rats, probably through restored insulin resistance.     

Effects of aspirin and enoxaparin in a rat model of liver fibrosis

AIM To examine the effects of aspirin and enoxaparin on liver function, coagulation index and histopathology in a rat model of liver fibrosis.METHODS Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group(n = 5) and model group(n = 40). Thioacetamide(TAA) was used to induce liver fibrosis in the model group. TAA-induced fibrotic rats received TAA continuously(n = 9), TAA + low-dose aspirin(n = 9), TAA + high-dose aspirin(n = 9) or TAA + enoxaparin(n = 9) for 4 wk. All rats were euthanized after 4 wk, and both hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were performed to observe pathological changes in liver tissue. RESULTS Liver fibrosis was assessed according to the METAVIR score. Compared with untreated cirrhotic controls, a significant improvement in fibrosis grade was observed in the low-dose aspirin, high-dose aspirin and enoxaparin treated groups, especially in the high-dose aspirin treated group. Alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin were higher, albumin was lower and both prothrombin time and international normalized ratio were prolonged in the four treatment groups compared to controls. No significant differences among the four groups were observed.CONCLUSION Aspirin and enoxaparin can alleviate liver fibrosis in this rat model.     

Effects of ursodeoxycholic acid and／or low-calorie diet on steatohepatitis in rats with obesity and hyperlipidemia

AIM: To evaluate the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and/or low-calorie diet (LCD) on a rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: Fifty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. The control group (n = 9) was fed with standard rat diet for 12 wk, NASH group (n = 10) was fed with high-fat diet consisted of normal diet, 10% lard oil and 2% cholesterol for 12 wk, UDCA group (n = 10) was fed with high-fat diet supplemented with UDCA at a dose of 25 mg/(kg · d) in drinking water for 12 wk, LCD group (n = 10) was fed with high-fat diet for 10 wk and then LCD for 2 wk, and UDCA+LCD group (n = 15) was fed with high-fat diet for 10 wk, followed by LCD+UDCA for 2 wk. At the end of the experiment, body weight, serum biochemical index, and hepatopathologic changes were examined. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, rats in the NASH group had significantly increased body weight, liver weight, and serum lipid and aminotransferase levels. All rats in the NASH group developed steatohepatitis, as determined by their liver histology. Compared with the NASH group, there were no significant changes in body weight, liver weight, blood biochemical index, the degree of hepatic steatosis, and histological activity index (HAI) score in the UDCA group; however, body and liver weights were significantly decreased, and the degree of steatosis was markedly improved in rats of both the LCD group and the UDCA+LCD group, but significant improvement with regard to serum lipid variables and hepatic inflammatory changes were seen only in rats of the UDCA+LCD group, and not in the LCD group. CONCLUSION: LCD might play a role in the treatment of obesity and hepatic steatosis in rats, but it exerts no significant effect on both serum lipid disorders and hepatic inflammatory changes. UDCA may enhance the therapeutic effects of LCD on steatohepatitis accompanied by obesity and hyperlipidemia. However, UDCA alone is not effective in the prevention of steatohepatitis induced by high-fat diet.