穿心莲内酯对肺纤维化大鼠BALF中细胞因子和肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达的影响

目的:探讨穿心莲内酯灌胃对博来霉素(BLM)致肺纤维化大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中TNF-α、TGF-β1浓度和肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达的影响。方法:取健康雄性SD大鼠90只,随机分为生理盐水(NS)组、BLM组、泼尼松(Pred)组、不同剂量穿心莲内酯组(即穿A组62.5mg/kg、穿B组125 mg/kg、穿C组250 mg/kg),各组大鼠15只,分别气管内灌注BLM(BLM组、Pred组、穿A组、穿B组、穿C组)或NS(NS组)后,每天给予NS(NS组、BLM组)、Pred(Pred组)或穿心莲内酯(穿A组、穿B组、穿C组)灌胃,各组分别于气管内灌注药物后第7、14、28天处死大鼠5只。用HE、Masson染色观察肺泡炎症和纤维化改变;实时荧光定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达;酶联免疫吸附试验测定BALF中TNF-α、TGF-β1浓度;同时监测肾功能指标血尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)及肝功能指标血丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)。结果:肝肾功能监测显示:不同剂量穿心莲内酯组、NS组、BLM组、Pred组所监测的AST、ALT、BUN、Cr比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。NS组大鼠肺组织未发现肺泡间隔水肿、炎性细胞浸润和纤维化形成。BLM组第7天时肺泡腔内可见大量炎性细胞浸润,第14天时肺泡炎仍存在,但炎症细胞明显减少,肺泡间隔内成纤维细胞明显增多,肺泡结构破坏,肺泡隔增宽,第28天时炎症较前减轻,肺纤维化程度加重,部分肺泡腔消失,形成严重纤维化。穿A组病理形态改变与BLM组相似。Pred组、穿B组、穿C组大鼠第7天有较多的炎症细胞浸润及局部聚积,第14天和第28天的纤维化病理改变均较BLM组、穿A组明显减轻。NS组各个时间点BALF中TGF-β1、TNF-α含量均明显低于同时间点BLM组、Pred组、穿A组、穿B组、穿C组BALF中的浓度(P<0.05)。BLM组3个时间点BALF中TGF-β1、TNF-α含量较Pred组、穿B、穿C组高(P<0.05)。与BLM组比较,穿A组BALF中TGF-β1、TNF-α含量无统计学意义。NS组各个时间点肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达均明显低于同时间点BLM组、Pred组、穿A组、穿B组、穿C组肺组织中的表达(P<0.05)。BLM组3个时间点Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达较Pred组、穿B组、穿C组高(P<0.05)。与BLM组比较,穿A组肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达无统计学差异。结论:穿心莲内酯灌胃可减轻BLM致肺纤维化大鼠肺泡炎和肺纤维化程度,降低肺组织Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达,降低BALF中TNF-α、TGF-β1浓度,且对肝肾无明显毒副作用。     

FGF-21和Nrf2对博莱霉素诱导的小鼠肺纤维化的影响

目的:研究成纤维细胞生长因子21(FGF-21)对博莱霉素(BLM)诱导的小鼠肺纤维化炎症应答及氧化应激的影响,并探讨其抗肺纤维化的作用机制。方法:建立BLM诱导的小鼠肺纤维化的模型,40只小鼠随机分为对照组、BLM组及FGF-21(1、2及5 mg/kg)+BLM组。Western blot检测I型胶原蛋白(collagen I)、纤连蛋白(fibronectin)和核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)蛋白表达水平。DCFH-DA染色检测活性氧簇(ROS)的生成。ELISA用于测定肺组织炎症因子的表达。试剂盒检测各组小鼠肺组织中的丙二醛(MDA)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)活性和羟脯氨酸(HYP)含量。结果:FGF-21处理显著降低BLM诱导的肺组织炎症介质肿瘤坏死因子α、白细胞介素1β和白细胞介素6的表达水平,减少ROS及MDA的含量,并增加抗氧化酶系统SOD和GPx的活性(P 0. 05)。同时,FGF-21下调BLM诱导的collagen I和fibronectin,并减少TGF-β1及HYP的含量。Nrf2沉默能够逆转FGF-21的抗纤维化作用。结论:FGF-21通过激活Nrf2信号抑制炎症应答进程,减轻氧化损伤,减少细胞外基质沉积,从而缓解BLM诱导的肺纤维化。这可能为肺间质纤维化治疗提供新的靶点。     

Characterization of excessive collagen production during development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by chronic silica inhalation in rats.

The activation of collagen synthesis during development of silicotic fibrosis was studied in rats exposed, in dusting chambers, to respirable SiO2 for periods of 2, 4, 6 or 12 months. Control animals were exposed similarly to clean air or TiO2. Development of fibrosis was followed by histological examination, measurement of lung weight and determination of lung collagen content (as hydroxyproline). A steady increase in lung weight and collagen content together with changes in cellularity and metabolic activity of the lungs, as ascertained by chemical determination of DNA and RNA, were measured in the lungs of the SiO2-exposed animals. Hybridization of total lung RNA, extracted at each time point, with cDNA probes specific for type I and type III procollagen mRNA levels showed that the development of fibrosis was associated with increased levels, as compared to age matched controls, of pulmonary procollagen mRNAs. Interestingly, the highest levels of procollagen mRNAs were observed in young (pretreatment control) animals, suggesting that during pulmonary development collagen metabolism in lungs is even greater than during development of fibrosis. In rats exposed to SiO2 the increase in type III procollagen mRNA occurred earlier than the increase in type I procollagen mRNAs. These observations demonstrate both age-dependent and silicosis-related changes in pulmonary procollagen mRNA levels. The results suggest that development of silicosis is associated with an altered capacity of the lungs to regulate collagen accumulation.     

Characterization of excessive collagen production during development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by chronic silica inhalation in rats

The activation of collagen synthesis during development of silicotic fibrosis was studied in rats exposed, in dusting chambers, to respirable SiO2 for periods of 2, 4, 6 or 12 months. Control animals were exposed similarly to clean air or TiO2. Development of fibrosis was followed by histological examination, measurement of lung weight and determination of lung collagen content (as hydroxyproline). A steady increase in lung weight and collagen content together with changes in cellularity and metabolic activity of the lungs, as ascertained by chemical determination of DNA and RNA, were measured in the lungs of the SiO2-exposed animals. Hybridization of total lung RNA, extracted at each time point, with cDNA probes specific for type I and type III procollagen mRNA levels showed that the development of fibrosis was associated with increased levels, as compared to age matched controls, of pulmonary procollagen mRNAs. Interestingly, the highest levels of procollagen mRNAs were observed in young (pretreatment control) animals, suggesting that during pulmonary development collagen metabolism in lungs is even greater than during development of fibrosis. In rats exposed to SiO2 the increase in type III procollagen mRNA occurred earlier than the increase in type I procollagen mRNAs. These observations demonstrate both age-dependent and silicosis-related changes in pulmonary procollagen mRNA levels. The results suggest that development of silicosis is associated with an altered capacity of the lungs to regulate collagen accumulation.     

Effects of 18α-glycyrrhizin on TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis

Background: Glycyrrhizin has various pharmacological effects including hepato-protection. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism underlying the protective effects of 18α-glycyrrhizin (18α-GL) in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver fibrosis. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, fibrosis group, 25 mg/kg 18α-GL group and 12.5 mg/kg 18α-GL group. Rats in experimental groups were subcutaneously injected with 40% CCl₄ twice weekly for 8 weeks. Immunohistochemical examination was carried out to detect the protein expressions of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, Smad 7 and SP-1, in the liver, and the mRNA and protein expressions of these genes were determined in the liver by real time PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. Results: 18α-GL ameliorated histological changes and significantly suppressed collagen deposition. 18α-GL significantly decreased the mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and SP-1 in the liver. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3 and SP-1 expressions reduced following 18α-GL therapy. Western blot assay showed p-Smad2, p-Smad3, smad2 and smad3 expressions decreased after 18α-GL treatment. The mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 remained unchanged. Conclusion: 18α-GL is able to attenuate CCl₄ induced liver fibrosis in rat.     

Induction of cardiac fibrosis by transforming growth factor-beta(1)

The role of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in the production and deposition of collagens and in the induction of gene expression in the myocardium in relation to the development of myocardial fibrosis will be discussed. Very low expression of TGF-beta(1) and collagen type I and III mRNA is seen in the normal rat heart. Both expressions are markedly increased in the infarcted heart and the levels of TGF-beta(1) mRNA precedes increases in mRNA levels for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, suggesting a possible role of TGF-beta(1) in remodeling processes in the myocardium. The TGF-beta(1) expression is normally only transient since continuous TGF-beta(1) overexpression seems to promote nonadaptive cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. In vitro, TGF-beta(1) induces an increase in collagen production and secretion and enhances the abundance of mRNA levels for collagen type I and III in rat cardiac fibroblasts in culture. TGF-beta(1) also stimulates in vivo the expression of ECM proteins and in vivo gene transfer of TGF-beta(1) can induce myocardial fibrosis. Increased myocardial TGF-beta(1) and ECM protein mRNA are found in myocardial fibrosis induced by angiotensin II infusion, by noradrenaline treatment, by isoprenaline infusion, and by long-term blockade of NO synthesis. In vivo antagonism of TGF-beta(1) by neutralizing anti-TGF-beta(1) antibodies or by proteoglycans prevents the increase in gene expression of ECM proteins and inhibits myocardial fibrosis, suggesting that the increases in matrix protein production and fibrosis are mediated by TGF-beta(1).     

Protective roles of pulmonary rehabilitation mixture in experimental pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo

Abnormal high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) activation is involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation mixture (PRM), which combines extracts from eight traditional Chinese medicines, has very good lung protection in clinical use. However, it is not known if PRM has anti-fibrotic activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of PRM on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-mediated and bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. The effects of PRM on TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in A549 cells, on the proliferation of human lung fibroblasts (HLF-1) in vitro, and on BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo were investigated. PRM treatment resulted in a reduction of EMT in A549 cells that was associated with attenuating an increase of vimentin and a decrease of E-cadherin. PRM inhibited the proliferation of HLF-1 at an IC₅₀ of 0.51 µg/mL. PRM ameliorated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, with reduction of histopathological scores and collagen deposition, and a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and HMGB1 expression. An increase in receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) expression was found in BLM-instilled lungs. PRM significantly decreased EMT and prevented pulmonary fibrosis through decreasing HMGB1 and regulating RAGE in vitro and in vivo. PRM inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT via decreased HMGB1 and vimentin and increased RAGE and E-cadherin levels. In summary, PRM prevented experimental pulmonary fibrosis by modulating the HMGB1/RAGE pathway.     

Inhibition of activin receptor-like kinase 5 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) is a type I receptor of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. ALK5 inhibition has been reported to attenuate the tissue fibrosis including pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis and liver fibrosis. To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of ALK5 inhibitor on pulmonary fibrosis in vivo, we performed the histopathological assessment, gene expression analysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and immunohistochemistry including receptor-activated Smads (R-Smads; Smad2/3), CTGF, myofibroblast marker (alpha-smooth muscle actin; aSMA) and type I collagen deposition in the lung using Bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. ALK5 inhibitor, SB-525334 (10 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) was orally administered at twice a day. Lungs were isolated 5, 7, 9 and 14 days after BLM treatment. BLM treatment led to significant pulmonary fibrotic changes accompanied by significant upregulation of ECM mRNA expressions, Smad2/3 nuclear translocation, CTGF expression, myofibroblast proliferation and type I collagen deposition. SB-525334 treatment attenuated the histopathological alterations in the lung, and significantly decreased the type I and III procollagen and fibronectin mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry revealed that SB-525334 treatment showed significant attenuation in Smad2/3 nuclear translocation, decrease in CTGF-expressing cells, myofibroblast proliferation and type I collagen deposition. These results suggest that ALK5 inhibition attenuates R-Smads activation thereby attenuates pulmonary fibrosis.     

Metformin Reduces Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

Metformin has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. We investigated whether metformin has an inhibitory effect on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model. A total of 62 mice were divided into 5 groups: control, metformin (100 mg/kg), BLM, and BLM with metformin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg). Metformin was administered to the mice orally once a day from day 1. We sacrificed half of the mice on day 10 and collected the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from their left lungs. The remaining mice were sacrificed and analyzed on day 21. The right lungs were harvested for histological analyses. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers were determined via analysis of the harvested lungs on day 21. The mice treated with BLM and metformin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) showed significantly lower levels of inflammatory cells in the BALF compared with the BLM-only mice on days 10 and 21. The histological examination revealed that the metformin treatment led to a greater reduction in inflammation than the treatment with BLM alone. The mRNA levels of collagen, collagen-1, procollagen, fibronectin, and transforming growth factor-β in the metformin-treated mice were lower than those in the BLM-only mice on day 21, although statistical significance was observed only in the case of procollagen due to the small number of live mice in the BLM-only group. Additionally, treatment with metformin reduced fibrosis to a greater extent than treatment with BLM alone. Metformin suppresses the inflammatory and fibrotic processes of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model.     

Two rat models of hepatic fibrosis. A morphologic and molecular comparison

We present a morphologic and molecular comparison of two models of hepatic fibrosis. Immune complexes are the source of insult in one model. In the other model, CCl4 induces fibrosis. For the immune complex model, rats were immunized intraperitoneally over the course of 4 weeks with human albumin, then injected through a tail vein three times a week for at least 5 more weeks with the same albumin. Seventy-five percent of all treated animals developed fibrosis characterized by fine collagen bands. There was a mild degree of hepatocyte trapping and necrosis as well as some bile duct hyperplasia and tissue eosinophilia. However, there was no significant Kupffer cell hyperplasia or inflammatory reaction. Quantification of specific mRNA species was determined by Northern blot hybridization analysis of total RNA. In comparison with CCl4-induced fibrosis in rats, a hepatotoxin-mediated model with a much greater inflammatory response, this immune complex model showed a less pronounced increase in type I procollagen mRNA, but a relatively greater increase in types III and IV procollagen mRNA. Whereas transforming growth factor-beta 1 mRNA levels were markedly increased in CCl4-induced fibrosis, there was only a slight increase in this cytokine, known to stimulate type I collagen synthesis, in the immune complex model. A comparison of the two model systems indicates that a variety of mechanisms may be involved in the process of hepatic fibrogenesis. It appears that an inflammatory response and elevated transforming growth factor-beta 1 levels are associated with a marked increased synthesis of type I collagen in a hepatotoxin model while other, as yet undefined, mediators may be responsible for the increase in types III and IV procollagen mRNA species found in the immune complex model.     

JAK/STAT通路调节IL-4诱导的肝星状细胞I型胶原基因的表达

 目的：探讨JAK/STAT通路在IL-4对肝星状细胞(HSC)中I型胶原基因表达的影响及其作用机制。方法 用RT-PCR法和ELISA法分别检测不同浓度IL-4对人肝星状细胞系LX-2 中I型胶原mRNA表达和蛋白合成的影响;用Western blot法和RT-PCR法分别观察JAK1抑制剂AG490对IL-4诱导的JAK1磷酸化以及I型胶原mRNA表达的影响;用Western blot法和RT-PCR法分别观察LX-2转染STAT6-ASON对IL-4诱导的STAT6磷酸化以及I型胶原mRNA表达的影响。结果 IL-4诱导LX-2中I型胶原mRNA表达及其蛋白的合成,呈现剂量依赖性效应;AG490完全阻断IL-4诱导的JAK1磷酸化和I型胶原mRNA的表达;LX-2转染STAT6-ASON完全阻断IL-4诱导的STAT6磷酸化和I型胶原mRNA的表达。结论 JAK/STAT信号传导通路参与调节IL-4诱导HSC 中I型胶原基因表达,并在肝纤维化发生过程中发挥重要的作用。     

纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1 siRNA对大鼠肺纤维化的治疗作用

 目的： 观察纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1 （PAI-1）siRNA对博来霉素(BLM)诱导的大鼠肺纤维化的治疗作用,并初步探讨其机制。方法： 72只Wister大鼠分为4组,即对照组（control组）、BLM组、BLM+非特异 siRNA 组(BLM+N组)和BLM+PAI-1 siRNA组(BLM+P组)。BLM 5 mg/kg气管内滴入制作肺纤维化模型,control组注入等体积的生理盐水。造模后,于局麻下BLM+P组每周2次气管内注入PAI-1 siRNA 7.5 nmol (0.2 mL);BLM+N组注入相同剂量的非特异siRNA;control组和BLM组注入等体积的生理盐水,28 d共给药8次。分别于第7 d、14 d和28 d每组处死6只,左肺行肺泡灌洗测定PAI-1活性,右中叶肺组织RT-PCR法检测Ⅲ型胶原、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）和金属蛋白酶组织抑制物1（TIMP-1）的mRNA表达。结果： 造模后,7 d、14 d和28 d肺泡灌洗液中PAI-1活性持续升高,每周2次气管内注入PAI-1 siRNA可以使肺泡灌洗液中PAI-1的活性降低,与同一时点BLM组比较有明显差异（均P<0.05）;模型组7 d、14 d和28 d  Ⅲ型胶原、α-SMA和TIMP-1的mRNA表达明显增高,BLM+P组3个时点Ⅲ型胶原、α-SMA和TIMP-1的mRNA表达明显减少,分别与同一时点BLM组比较有明显差异（均P<0.05）。结论： 每周2次气管内给予PAI-1 siRNA可以持续减少PAI-1表达。PAI-1 siRNA不但直接抑制肺纤维化进展,而且可以打破基质金属蛋白酶及组织抑制因子之间的平衡。     

Rapamycin Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Fibrogenesis in Primary Human Lung Fibroblasts

Purpose

The present study was designed to determine whether rapamycin could inhibit transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibrogenesis in primary lung fibroblasts, and whether the effect of inhibition would occur through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream p70S6K pathway.

Materials and Methods

Primary normal human lung fibroblasts were obtained from histological normal lung tissue of 3 patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Growth arrested, synchronized fibroblasts were treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) and different concentrations of rapamycin (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/mL) for 24 h. We assessed m-TOR, p-mTOR, S6K1, p-S6K1 by Western blot analysis, detected type III collagen and fibronectin secreting by ELISA assay, and determined type III collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels by real-time PCR assay.

Results

Rapamycin significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced type III collagen and fibronectin levels, as well as type III collagen and fibronectin mRNA levels. Furthermore, we also found that TGF-β1-induced mTOR and p70S6K phosphorylation were significantly down-regulated by rapamycin. The mTOR/p70S6K pathway was activated through the TGF-β1-mediated fibrogenic response in primary human lung fibroblasts.

Conclusion

These results indicate that rapamycin effectively suppresses TGF-β1-induced type III collagen and fibronectin levels in primary human lung fibroblasts partly through the mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Rapamycin has a potential value in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.     

大黄酸通过抑制miR-21而干预TGF-β1/Smad通路并减轻博莱霉素所致大鼠肺纤维化

目的:观察大黄酸(rhein,RH)对博莱霉素所致肺纤维化大鼠微小RNA-21(miR-21)表达以及转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)/Smad通路的影响。方法:博莱霉素一次性气管内注射复制大鼠肺纤维化模型,随机分为RH低、中、高剂量组及模型(model)组;正常对照组大鼠气管内注射生理盐水。用药28 d后,HE染色观察各组大鼠肺组织形态学的变化;测定肺系数、肺组织羟脯氨酸含量;real-time PCR检测肺组织中miR-21和TGF-β1/Smad7m RNA表达;Western blot法分析TGF-β1和Smad7蛋白的表达。结果:与model组相比,RH用药组大鼠的肺泡炎及肺纤维化程度有明显降低,肺系数及肺组织羟脯氨酸含量也显著减少,肺组织中miR-21表达下降,TGF-β1的m RNA和蛋白表达水平也明显下降,Smad7的mRNA及蛋白表达水平明显增高(P0.05)。结论:RH抗肺纤维化的作用可能与抑制miR-21的表达,从而干预TGF-β1/Smad信号通路,减少细胞外基质沉积有关。     

Decreased prostaglandin E2 synthesis by lung fibroblasts isolated from rats with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

In order to clarify the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis, we examined the functional changes of lung fibroblasts in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Lung fibroblastic cells were obtained from rat lungs after an intratracheal treatment of BLM or saline. The spontaneous proliferation of BLM-treated rat fibroblasts (BRF), which was estimated by 3H-TdR incorporation and direct cell counting, was significantly more rapid than that of normal saline-treated rat fibroblasts (NRF). Next, we investigated prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis by BRF and NRF, with or without stimulation by interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, and found that PGE2 production by BRF was significantly less than that by NRF. There was no significant difference in cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and COX-2 mRNA level between BRF and NRF, indicating that the change in PGE2 production was independent of COX, a rate-limiting enzyme for the production of PGE2. These results suggest that the proliferation of fibroblasts is down-regulated by PGE2 released from themselves in normal lungs in an autocrine fashion, thus the decreased PGE2 production observed in lung fibroblasts from rats with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis may result in the excessive fibroblast proliferation in this disorder. Overall, these findings throw some light on the mechanism of development of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis.     

脐带源间充质干细胞移植治疗肝纤维化及肝硬化的相关机制

背景：肝硬化是多种原因引起的肝脏慢性病变,目前尚没有有效的治疗方法,很多研究表明,间充质干细胞对肝纤维化及肝硬化有一定的治疗作用。 目的：研究人脐带源间充质干细胞移植对大鼠肝纤维化及肝硬化的治疗作用及其作用机制。 方法：应用CCl4诱导制备肝纤维化及肝硬化模型,造模后经尾静脉注射人脐带间充质干细胞。细胞移植后采用Beckman Coulter analyzer检测人脐带源间充质干细胞移植对大鼠肝功能的影响;采用天狼猩红染色检测肝组织病理改变;应用免疫组织化学染色、Western blot和real-time Q-PCR方法检测Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原、基质金属蛋白酶2、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂2蛋白与mRNA在大鼠肝组织中的表达。 结果与结论：人脐带源间充质干细胞移植可以改善肝纤维化及肝硬化大鼠的肝功能。人脐带源间充质干细胞移植后,除肝纤维化细胞移植1周组与对应模型组相比差异无显著性意义外,其余各细胞移植组肝脏组织中基质金属蛋白酶2 mRNA及蛋白表达水平明显升高,而Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原、基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂2表达水平明显降低。人脐带源间充质干细胞通过上调基质金属蛋白酶2表达,下调基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂2表达,对肝纤维化及肝硬化起到治疗作用;在致病因素持续存在的情况下,人脐带源间充质干细胞移植并不能逆转肝纤维化或者肝硬化,只能延缓肝纤维化或肝硬化的进程。中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：干细胞;骨髓干细胞;造血干细胞;脂肪干细胞;肿瘤干细胞;胚胎干细胞;脐带脐血干细胞;干细胞诱导;干细胞分化;组织工程