Effects of armepavine against hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate if armepavine (Arm, C₁₉H₂₃O₃N) could exert inhibitory effects against hepatic fibrosis in rats. A cell line of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC‐T6) was stimulated with tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Arm. Rats were injected with thioacetamide (TAA; 300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) thrice a week for 4 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis, with Arm (3 or 10 mg/kg) given by gavage twice a day. Liver sections were taken for western blotting, fibrosis scoring and immunofluorescence staining. Arm (1–10 µm ) concentration‐dependently attenuated TNF‐α‐stimulated: (i) protein expressions of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen type I and angiopoietin‐1; (ii) H₂O₂ production; and (iii) NF‐κB, JunD and C/EBPß (cytidine‐cytidine‐adenosine‐adenosine‐thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer binding protein‐ß (EBPß)) nuclear translocations in HSC‐T6 cells. In vivo Arm treatment significantly reduced plasma aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels, hepatic α‐SMA expression and collagen contents, and fibrosis scores of TAA‐injected rats. Moreover, Arm treatment decreased α‐SMA‐ and NF‐κB‐positive cells in immunohistochemical staining, and mRNA expression levels of IL‐6, TGF‐ß1, TIMP‐1, col1α2, iNOS and ICAM‐1 genes, but up‐regulated the metallothionein gene in the livers of TAA‐injected rats. Our results indicated that Arm exerted both in vitro and in vivo antifibrotic effects in rats, with inhibition of NF‐κB, JunD and C/EBPß pathways. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Silymarin Decreases Connective Tissue Growth Factor to Improve Liver Fibrosis in Rats Treated with Carbon Tetrachloride

Silymarin is an herbal product showing potential as protection against hepatic disorders. In an attempt to develop the agent for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, we screened the effects of silymarin on a rat model of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Intraperitoneal administration of CCl₄ to rats for 8 weeks not only increased the plasma levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) but also induced a marked increase in the formation of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also reduced in the liver of rats treated with CCl₄. Oral administration of silymarin (200 mg/kg, three times daily), in parallel, decreased the plasma levels of GOT and GPT. Furthermore, in addition to the improvement of hepatic fibrosis, the hepatic levels of hydroxyproline and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were both markedly decreased by silymarin. Silymarin also elevated the activities of SOD and GPx in liver isolated from CCl₄‐treated rats. The results suggest that oral administration of silymarin protects against CCl₄‐induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, likely due to the decrease in fibrotic parameters such as CTGF. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oxidative stress modulation by Rosmarinus officinalis in CCl4‐induced liver cirrhosis

Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae) possesses antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects, and so may provide a possible therapeutic alternative for chronic liver disease. The effect produced by a methanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis on CCl₄‐induced liver cirrhosis in rats was investigated using both prevention and reversion models. Over the course of the development of cirrhosis, the increased enzymatic activities of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase and alanine aminotransferase, and the rise in bilirubin levels caused by CCl₄ administration, were prevented by Rosmarinus officinalis co‐administration. When the cirrhosis by oxidative stress was evaluated as an increase on liver lipoperoxidation, total lipid peroxides, nitric oxide in serum, and loss of erythrocyte plasma membrane stability, R. officinalis was shown to prevent such alterations. On cirrhotic animals treated with CCl₄, histological studies showed massive necrosis, periportal inflammation and fibrosis which were modified by R. officinalis. These benefits on experimental cirrhosis suggest a potential therapeutic use for R. officinalis as an alternative for liver cirrhosis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ginkgo biloba extract prevents glucose‐induced accumulation of ECM in rat mesangial cells

Pathological remodeling characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation contributes to diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study evaluated the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) on the metabolism of the ECM in rat mesangial cells cultured in hyperglycemic conditions. The cultured mesangial cells in high glucose conditions were allotted into six groups: normal control group, high glucose group, low concentration of GbE group, moderate concentration of GbE group, high concentration of GbE group, and captopril group. In the presence of high glucose, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) were decreased significantly, and the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were increased significantly. These changes were reversed by GbE. GbE lowered the levels of transforming growth factor‐β₁ (TGF‐β₁), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) of the high glucose group. Furthermore, GbE also decreased the expressions of collagen IV and laminin of the high glucose group. In summary, the results suggest that GbE postpones the extracellular matrix accumulation by inhibiting the synthesis of ECM and promoting the degradation of ECM, and therefore, is a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of DN. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fuzheng Huayu inhibits carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice through activating hepatic NK cells

Aim of the study

Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) is a Chinese compound herbal preparation which consists of six Chinese herbs. This study examines the preventative effects of FZHY on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and explores its possible mechanisms of action.

Materials and methods

Liver fibrosis was induced in male C57BL/6N mice by injecting a 10% CCl₄ solution intraperitoneal twice a week for six weeks. After 6 weeks of treatment, serum ALT and AST assay, liver tissue histological examination and immunostaining were carried out to examine the liver function and fibrosis degree. The expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Hepatic natural killer (NK) cells were isolated from liver and evaluated by FACS.

Results

Upon pathological examination, the FZHY-treated mice showed significantly reduced liver damage. The expression of α-SMA increased markedly upon treatment with CCl₄ and the increase was reversed by FZHY treatment. FZHY treatment also enhanced the activation of hepatic NK cells and the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). The protective effects of FZHY were reversed in the mice that were depleted of NK cells by anti-ASGM-1 Ab treatment.

Conclusions

FZHY can efficiently inhibit CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the depletion of NK cells attenuates the protective effects of FZHY. We conclude that FZHY could be an effective drug for liver fibrosis, and its mechanism of action involves the activation of hepatic NK cells.     

Schisandrin C Ameliorates Learning and Memory Deficits by Aβ1–42‐induced Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity in Mice

Schisandrin C (SCH‐C) is a main and typical antioxidative lignan isolated from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis (Trucz.) Baill (a widely used traditional Chinese medicine). The present study aimed to characterize the effect of SCH‐C on memory impairment and further research on pathological changes in Aβ_1–42‐induced Alzheimer's disease mice. Mice were administration with SCH‐C daily for 5 days in the lateral cerebral ventricles using sterotaxically implanted cannula. Cognitive functions were assessed by Y‐maze test, active avoidance test and Morris water maze test in all groups, and the level of Aβ_1–42 and neuronal injury induced by Aβ_1–42 were reversed remarkably following SCH‐C treatment compared with sham group; meanwhile the impairment of short‐term or working memory was dramatically improved. In addition, SCH‐C significantly inhibited total cholinesterase (ChEtotal), and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) activity glutathione (GSH) levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. It can be speculated that SCH‐C offers protection against Aβ_1–42‐induced dysfunction in learning and memory by inhibiting ChEtotal and its antioxidant action. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

莪术醋制前后抗复合因素致大鼠肝纤维化作用的比较研究

目的 比较莪术醋制前后对复合因素致大鼠肝纤维化的影响及其作用机制。方法 大鼠sc 40%CCl₄橄榄油溶液合并ig乙醇、饲喂高脂饲料制备肝纤维化模型,持续给予诱导剂7周。实验设对照组、模型组、秋水仙碱（0.2 mg/kg）阳性对照组、生莪术（0.95、1.90 g/kg）给药组、醋莪术（0.95、1.90 g/kg）给药组,各给药组于造模同时给予相应药物,每天1次,连续给药8周。检测大鼠血清中丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）、总胆红素（TBiL）、透明质酸（HA）、层粘连蛋白（LN）水平,肝脏指数,肝组织中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、丙二醛（MDA）、羟脯氨酸（Hyp）的量。HE染色观察肝组织病理学改变,Masson染色观察肝纤维化程度。结果 与对照组比较,模型组出现典型的肝纤维化病理改变,血清ALT、AST、TBiL、HA、LN水平显著升高,肝组织Hyp、MDA的显著增加,SOD活性显著降低。与模型组相比,生莪术、醋莪术给药组均可不同程度地改善大鼠肝纤维化程度,醋莪术作用效果明显优于生莪术,且其高剂量组有明显的治疗优势。结论 莪术醋制后抗复合因素所致大鼠肝纤维化作用显著增强。     

甘草酸铵联合苦参素抗大鼠肝纤维化作用及初步机制探讨

目的:研究甘草酸铵联合苦参素对四氯化碳(CCl_4)导致的大鼠肝纤维化的抑制作用,并探讨其相关机制。方法:SD大鼠随机分为6组,每组10只,分别为正常组,模型组,秋水仙碱阳性药组(2 mg·kg~(-1)),甘草酸铵组(15 mg·kg~(-1)),苦参素组(30 mg·kg~(-1)),甘草酸铵联合苦参素(15 mg·kg~(-1)+30 mg·kg~(-1))组,除正常组外,其余各组均采用CCl_4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化模型,治疗组分别给予等同于临床剂量的相应药物,正常组和模型组给予生理盐水进行对照。通过检测血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT),天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)及肝组织中羟脯氨酸(Hyp)和观察肝组织病理切片来评价肝纤维化程度,检测血清中白细胞介素6(IL-6),乙酰胆碱酯酶(Ach E),高迁移率族蛋白1(HMGB1),内毒素(LPS)变化趋势。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清ALT,AST,IL-6,Ach E,LPS,HMGB1水平及肝组织Hyp含量明显升高(P0.01),模型组肝组织病变较为明显;与正常组比较模型组胶原面积显著增加;与模型组比较,治疗组明显降低大鼠血清中ALT,AST,IL-6,Ach E,LPS,HMGB1水平及肝组织Hyp含量(P0.05),肝组织病变明显减轻,胶原面积明显降低;同时苦参素组与模型组比Ach E显著降低(P0.05),联合用药与苦参素组比Ach E显著升高(P0.05)。结论:甘草酸铵联合苦参素可抗由CCl_4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化,抗肝纤维化主要可能是通过减少大鼠体内LPS的含量和降低IL-6,HMGB1的表达来实现的,并且联合用药可改善临床上单独使用苦参素降低乙酰胆碱酯酶下降的情况。     

Therapeutic efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine 319 recipe on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

Background/aims

Hepatic fibrosis is a consequence of severe liver damage that occurs in many patients with chronic liver diseases. TCM 319 recipe is a Chinese Medicine formula which consists of six Chinese herbs. In this study, we investigated the anti-fibrotic efficacy and mechanisms of TCM 319 recipe.

Methods

Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). 34 male adult SD rats were allocated into five groups (group 1—concomitant CCl₄ and TCM 319 recipe for 8 weeks; group 2—CCl₄ for 4 weeks and then CCl₄ and TCM 319 recipe for 4 weeks; group 3—CCl₄ alone for 8 weeks; group 4—TCM 319 recipe only for 8 weeks; group 5—untreated controls). After 8 weeks of treatment, serum ALT assay, liver tissue histological examination and immunostaining were carried out to examine the liver function and fibrosis degree. The expression levels of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF-B), PDGF-Rβ, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot.

Results

TCM 319 recipe reduced liver injury and attenuated hepatic fibrosis in group 1 compared with that in group 3. TCM 319 recipe suppressed the mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). In addition, treatment with TCM 319 recipe significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of PDGF-B and PDGF-Rβ, and it also suppressed protein expression of PDGF-Rβ and TGF-β1.

Conclusions

TCM 319 recipe extracts could attenuate hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl₄ in rats. The anti-fibrotic effect of TCM 319 recipe is associated with the down-regulation of mRNA expression of TIMP-1, PDGF-B and PDGF-Rβ, and with the suppression of protein expression of PDGF-Rβ and TGF-β1.     

小柴胡颗粒激活Nrf2通路抗TAA致大鼠急性肝损伤的机制探讨

目的:观察小柴胡颗粒对硫代乙酰胺(TAA)致大鼠急性肝损伤(ALI)的治疗作用,探讨核转录因子(NF)-E2相关因子2(Nrf2)抗氧化损伤通路在其中的作用。方法:SD大鼠随机分为空白组,模型组,小柴胡颗粒低、中、高剂量组(1,2,4 g·kg-1),大鼠给予250 mg·kg-1TAA腹腔注射2 d制备肝损伤模型,从第3天各组分别给予等量双蒸水和不同剂量小柴胡颗粒,灌胃2周。末次给药后24 h取材,肝组织行苏木素-伊红(HE)染色;比色法测定血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT),天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)活性及组织中总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD),丙二醛(MDA)水平;实时荧光定量PCR(Real-time PCR)检测Nrf2通路相关mRNA表达;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测Nrf2通路相关蛋白的表达。结果:与空白组比较,模型组ALT,AST,MDA水平显著增高,T-SOD活性明显降低(P 0. 05,P 0. 01),病理学呈现大片炎性浸润表现,肝脏组织Nrf2,Kelch样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白1(Keap1),醌氧化还原酶1(NQO1),血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1),谷氨酸半胱氨酸合成酶催化亚基(GCLC),谷氨酸半胱氨酸合成酶调节亚基(GCLM) mRNA及蛋白表达水平均明显下降(P 0. 05,P 0. 01);与模型组比较,小柴胡颗粒各剂量组ALT,AST,MDA水平均明显降低,T-SOD活性明显升高(P 0. 05,P 0. 01),病理结果示大鼠肝脏病变范围与严重程度均有不同程度改善,肝脏组织Nrf2,Keap1,NQO1,HO-1,GCLC,GCLM的mRNA及蛋白表达水平均明显升高(P 0. 05,P 0. 01)。结论:小柴胡颗粒可能通过上调Nrf2信号通路上下游分子的表达,对TAA致急性肝损伤大鼠起到治疗作用。     

Alantolactone and Isoalantolactone Prevent Amyloid β25–35‐induced Toxicity in Mouse Cortical Neurons and Scopolamine‐induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice

Given the evidence for detoxifying/antioxidant enzyme‐inducing activities by alantolactone (AL) and isoalantolactone (IAL), the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of AL and IAL on Aβ_25–35‐induced cell death in mouse cortical neuron cells and to determine their effects on scopolamine‐induced amnesia in mice. Our data demonstrated that both compounds effectively attenuated the cytotoxicity of Aβ_25–35 (10 μM) in neuronal cells derived from the mouse cerebral cortex. It was also found that the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, including superoxide anion induced by Aβ_25–35, was inhibited. Moreover, the administration of the sesquiterpenes reversed scopolamine‐induced cognitive impairments as assessed by Morris water, Y‐maze, and the passive avoidance tests, and the compounds decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in a dose‐dependent manner. Interestingly, AL and IAL did not improve scopolamine‐induced cognitive deficit in Nrf2 ^?/? mice, suggesting that memory improvement by sesquiterpenes was mediated not only by the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway but also by their inhibitory activity against AChE. In conclusion, our results showed that AL and IAL had neuroprotective effects and reversed cognitive impairments induced by scopolamine in a mouse model. Therefore, AL and IAL deserve further study as potential therapeutic agents for reactive oxygen species‐related neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evodiamine inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced activator protein 1 transactivation and cell transformation in human hepatocytes

Evodia rutaecarpa has been used to treat inflammatory digestive disorders in Asian countries. However, little is known about the antitumor activities of E. rutaecarpa and its bioactive constituent evodiamine (EVO). The aim of this study was to characterize the antitumor mechanisms of E. rutaecarpa and EVO in human hepatocytes. Human Chang liver cells were transfected with activator protein 1 (AP‐1)‐luciferase reporter gene and designated as Chang/AP‐1 cells. The Chang/AP‐1 cells were treated with E. rutaecarpa and its bioactive constituents, and challenged with the AP‐1 stimulator 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐ acetate (TPA). The present study showed that the methanol extract of E. rutaecarpa decreased the TPA‐induced AP‐1 transactivation in Chang/AP‐1 cells, with an EC₅₀ value of 24.72 μg/mL. EVO inhibited the TPA‐induced AP‐1 transactivation and colony formation, with EC₅₀ values of 82 μm and 8.2 μm , respectively. Moreover, EVO significantly diminished the TPA‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs). These results suggested that EVO treatment suppressed the TPA‐induced AP‐1 activity via the ERKs pathway. In conclusion, EVO inhibited the AP‐1 activity and cellular transformation in human hepatocytes, suggesting that EVO was a potential agent for antitumor therapy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protective Effects of a Purified Saponin Mixture from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb., in vivo Hepatotoxicity Models

In this study, the in vivo effects of a purified saponin mixture (PSM), obtained from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb., were investigated using two in vivo hepatotoxicity models based on liver damage caused by paracetamol (PC) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). The effects of PSM were compared with silymarin. Male Wistar rats were challenged orally with 20% CCl₄ or PC (2 g/kg) four days after being pre‐treated with PSM (100 mg/kg) or silymarin (200 mg/kg). A significant decrease of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels and an increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) quantity was observed after CCl₄ and PC administration alone. PSM pre‐treatment decreased serum transaminases and LDH activities and MDA levels and increased the levels of cell protector GSH. Biotransformation phase I enzymes were also assessed in both models. In the CCl₄ hepatotoxicity model, pre‐treatment with PSM or silymarin resulted in significantly increased activities of ethylmorphine‐N‐demethylase and aniline 4‐hydroxylase activity and cytochrome P450, compared to the CCl₄ only group. Neither silymarin nor PSM influenced PC biotransformation. Our results suggest that PSM, obtained from A. corniculatus, Bieb. showed in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities against CCl₄ and PC‐induced liver damage comparable to that of silymarin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antipyretic and Anti‐inflammatory Effects of Asiaticoside in Lipopolysaccharide‐treated Rat through Up‐regulation of Heme Oxygenase‐1

Asiaticoside (AS), a triterpenoid isolated from Centella asiatica, has been found to exhibit antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities in several experimental animal models. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we provide experimental evidences that AS dose‐dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced fever and inflammatory response, including serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6 production, liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, brain cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) protein expression and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production. Interestingly, AS increased serum IL‐10 level, liver heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) protein expression and activity. Furthermore, we found that the suppressive effects of AS on LPS‐induced fever and inflammation were reversed by pretreatment with ZnPPIX, a HO‐1 activity inhibitor. In summary, our results suggest that AS has the antipyretic and anti‐inflammatory effects in LPS‐treated rat. These effects could be associated with the inhibition of pro‐inflammatory mediators, including TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels, COX‐2 expression and PGE₂ production, as well as MPO activity, which might be mediated by the up‐regulation of HO‐1. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

扶正化瘀方对正常及肝纤维化大鼠体内CYP450酶的影响

使用Cocktail探针药物法,研究扶正化瘀方(FZHY)对正常和肝纤维化大鼠细胞色素P450(CYP450)5种同工酶的影响。正常和二甲基亚硝胺(dimethylnitrosamine,DMN)腹腔注射诱导的肝纤维化模型大鼠,以FZHY浸膏粉连续灌胃2周后,单剂量尾静脉注射由CYP450 5种同工酶的特异性探针底物非那西丁(CYP1A2)、甲苯磺丁脲(CYP2C9)、奥美拉唑(CYP2C19)、氢溴酸右美沙芬(CYP2D6)和咪达唑仑(CYP3A4)配置的Cocktail探针溶液后,通过建立的LC-MS/MS法同时检测血浆中5种探针药物的浓度,采用PK solution 2TM对数据进行处理,并计算主要药动学参数。正常大鼠灌胃FZHY后,非那西丁、甲苯磺丁脲、奥美拉唑和氢溴酸右美沙芬的AUC0-t均出现不同程度的增加,CL也均出现降低趋势,提示FZHY能明显抑制正常大鼠CYP1A2,CYP2C9,CYP2C19,CYP2D6的活性,但对CYP3A4的活性影响不明显;肝纤维化大鼠灌胃FZHY后,甲苯磺丁脲的AUC0-t显著增加,Vd显著降低,其他4种探针药物的药动学参数未见显著改变,提示在肝纤维化大鼠体内FZHY仅对CYP2C9有抑制作用,对CYP1A2,CYP2C19,CYP2D6,CYP3A4活性影响不明显。CYP450酶在肝纤维化条件下活性的改变可能是FZHY对正常和肝纤维化大鼠CYP450酶影响不同的原因。     

蒙药地格达-4味汤对TAA所致小鼠化学性肝损伤的实验研究

目的：观察蒙药地格达-4味汤对硫代乙酰胺（TAA）所致小鼠肝损伤的防治作用。方法：将地格达-4味汤组和护肝片组分别灌胃7天,腹腔注射TAA80mg.kg-1引起小鼠急性肝损害,24h后取血,分离血清,检测血清ALT、AST活性;取肝组织,观察肝脏形态学的变化。结果：地格达-4味汤组可明显降低因TAA所致肝损伤小鼠的ALT及AST（P〈0.01）。模型组肝组织学改变主要表现为碎片状坏死;护肝片组可见散在点状及小碎片状坏死;地格达-4味汤组可见散在点状坏死,有炎细胞浸润。结论：地格达-4味汤对硫代乙酰胺（TAA）所致肝损伤模型,有一定的防治作用。     

Preventive and curative effect of Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

The preventive and curative effect of Lygodium flexuosum on experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) was evaluated in rats. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by CCl(4) administration (150 microL/100g rat weight, oral) twice a week for 10 weeks. In preventive treatment daily doses of Lygodium flexuosum n-hexane extract (200 mg/kg, p.o) was administered for 10 weeks. In curative treatment Lygodium flexuosum extract (200 mg/kg, p.o) was given for 2 weeks after the establishment of fibrosis for 10 weeks. Treatment with CCl(4) caused a significant decrease in body and liver weight. Lygodium flexuosum n-hexane extract prevented or reversed the decline in body and liver weight. Treatment with the extract prevented or restored the elevation of serum AST, ALT and LDH levels. Lygodium flexuosum treatment remarkably prevented or reversed an increase in liver hydroxyproline content in chronically treated rats. Histopathological changes of hepatic lesions induced by CCl(4) were significantly (p < or = 0.05) improved by treatment with Lygodium flexuosum. These results support that Lygodium flexuosum exerts effective protection in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.     

Two xanthones from Swertia punicea with hepatoprotective activities in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Swertia punicea Hemsl. (Gentianaceae) is more commonly known as “Ganyan-cao” and used mainly as a traditional Chinese folk medicine for the treatment of acute bilious hepatitis, cholecystitis, fever, intoxification and jaundice.

Materials and methods

The active hepatoprotective constituents of Swertia punicea were purified using various column chromatography techniques. The structures of two isolated compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation such as NMR analysis. The hepatoprotective activities of isolated compounds were evaluated by using hepatotoxicity in vitro and dimethylnitrosamine-induced rat hepatic fibrosis in vivo, respectively.

Results

Two xanthones, 1, 7-dihydroxy-3, 4, 8-trimethoxyxanthone (1) and bellidifolin (2) were isolated from the stems of Swertia punicea. The compounds 1 and 2 exhibited notable hepatoprotective activities against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) -induced HepG2 cell damage, and effectively alleviated the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) induced by CCl₄ in a concentration-dependent manner. Co-treatment with compound 2 significantly increased the cell viability compared with N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP) treatment. Compound 2 also alleviated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by increasing glutathione (GSH) content and decreasing hydroxyl free radical (·OH) levels and reactive oxygen specises (ROS) production. In addition, the protective effect of compound 1 significantly alleviated DMN-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis. Oral administration of compound 1 recovered the reduction of albumin (ALB) and reversed the elevation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), AST and total bilirubin (TBIL) in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced fibrotic rats. Severe oxidative stress induced in fibrotic rats was evidenced by a 1.5-fold elevation in MDA and a fall in the SOD activity, and treatment with compound 1 protected against these adverse effects. Recovery of rat liver tissue against DMN-induced hepatocellular necrosis, inflammatory changes and hepatic fibrosis by compound 1 is also confirmed by H&E and Masson stained histopathological evaluation of liver tissue.

Conclusion

Two xanthones from Swertia punicea exhibited hepatoprotective activities in vitro (compounds 1 and 2) and in vivo (compound 1), respectively.