ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the protective effect of safflower extract on hepatocyte mitochondria in hepatic fibrosis rats.Methods Rat model of hepatic fibrosis was induced by diethyl nitrosamine.Oral safflower extract was taken orally in the experimental group.Hepatic mitochondria were isolated from each group.Morphological changes of hepatocyte mitochondria were observed and MDA and SOD were detected in the level hepatocyte mitochondria.Observe changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ATP levels and observe changes in mitochondrial respiratory function to investigate whether safflower extract has protective effects on hepatocyte mitochondria in rats with hepatic fibrosis or not.Results In the normal group,the rat mitochondria were arranged neatly and the morphology was normal.In the control group,the mitochondria of the rats were swollen with irregular morphology,the borders were unclear,and the sizes were inconsistent.In the experimental group,the mitochondria were swollen,the structures were not clear,and the sizes were different.The above condition is significantly improved;liver fibrosis in rats' mitochondria MDA levels increased significantly,while SOD content decreased significantly,safflower extract treatment can significantly reduce mitochondrial MDA levels,and it can increase SOD content.Compared with the normal group,the mitochondrial membrane potential of liver fibrosis rats was significantly reduced,while the safflower extract treatment can increase the mitochondrial membrane potential;due to liver fibrosis,rats can increase the consumption of ATP in liver mitochondria and safflower extract can significantly reduce ATP consumption in rat mitochondria.Consistent with this,the phosphor-to-oxygen ratio in the rat mitochondria of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group.Conclusion The safflower extract can significantly reduce the hepatocyte mitochondrial oxidative stress induced by hepatic fibrosis in rats.It can maintain mitochondrial ATP level,respiratory control rate and phosphorus-oxygen ratio to protect mitochondrial function.