ABSTRACT
Aim: To study the role and the molecular mechanism of artesunate in anti-schistosomal liver fibrosis in vivo. Methods: Mouse model of liver fibrosis due to Schistosoma japonica infection was established by placing the coverglass with cercaria on the hairless belly. Mice were started on a 8-week regimen of artesunate (ART) daily in 16th week post infection. Mice were observed for four weeks after ART treatment course. The expression of fibrosis genes and CHI3L1/ERK pathway related genes were detected by quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results: Mouse model of schistosomal liver fibrosis was established successfully. Evidence of pathological changes was found for effectiveness of artesunate in the treatment of schistosomal liver fibrosis. The expression of tissue inhibitors of metaslloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) and type IH collagen of mice in treatment group were significantly reduced compared those of model group. The CHI3L1 and ERK1/2 gene expression level of mice in treatment group decreased significantly compared to that of model group. The phosphorylation level of ERK was also significantly inhibited. Conclusions: ART suppresses liver fibrosis of schistosomiasis japonica in vivo and the mechanism for the liver protective effect is related to the inhibition of collagen production and the transmission of CHI3L1/ERK pathway.