ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of American cockroach extract on the expression of NF-κB andα-SMA in experi-mental liver fibrosis tissue,and to observe its antifibrotic efficacy.Methods The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was duplicated by car-bon tetrachloride and simultaneously given with American cockoach extract 0.5 g/kg by lavage.The level of serum alanine amin-otransferase enzyme (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST)and albumin (Alb)were determined.The expression levels of NF-κB and a-SMA in liver tissue were determined by the immunohistochemical method and the liver histological changes were observed by light microscopy for conducting the grading of inflammatory activity and the fibrosis classification.Results American cockroach extract could reduce serum ALT,AST and liver tissue NF-κB andα-SMA levels.The serum Alb level had significant difference a-mong the APA group,Pseudo-ginseng Danshen group and the model group.The degeneration and necrosis of liver cells and the fi-brosis degree after medication were significantly reduced.Conclusion The American cockroach extract has certain anti-fibrosis effect,its mechanism may be related with the inhibition of expression of NF-κB andα-SMA.