RESUMEN
Objective: To investigate the effects of Curcuma Rhizoma before and after being processed with vinegar on hepatic fibrosis in rats induced by CCl4 composited factors and to discuss their mechanism. Methods: Rat models of hepatic fibrosis were established by sc injection of 40% CCl4 olive solution and ig administration with alcohol and high fat food for seven weeks. The rats were randomly divided into control, model, colchicin (0.2 mg/kg, positive), raw Curcuma Rhizoma (RCR, 0.95 and 1.90 g/kg), and Curcuma Rhizoma after being processed with vinegar (CRV, 0.95 and 1.90 g/kg) groups. The rats in each group were administered with the corresponding drugs once daily for eight weeks. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBiL), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN) in serum, liver index, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver tissue were determined. Liver pathology and fibrosis were observed by HE staining and Masson staining. Results: Compared with the control group, there were classic liver cirrhosis pathological changes in model groups, and the levels of serum ALT, AST, TBiL, HA, and LN and the contents of Hyp and MDA were significantly increased. The activity of SOD was significantly decreased. In comparison with the model group, both RCR and CRV could improve the liver function parameters in different degrees. But the effect of CRV was superior to that of RCR, and the high-dose group of CRV had obvious advantages. Conclusion: CRV shows the better prevention and treatment on hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 composited factor in rats.