Effects of Qishen Erlian Decoction on Serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in Liver Fibrosis Model Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effects of Qishen Erlian Decoction on serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels in thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver fibrosis rats; To discuss its mechanism of action. Methods Liver fibrosis model was created by the TAA gavage method. 120 SD male rats were randomly assigned to control group, model group, colchicine group, Qishen Erlian Decoction low-, medium- and high-dose group (20 in each group). Each medication group was given relevant medicine for gavage. Control group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline for gavage, once a day for 5 weeks. HE staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to observe the pathological changes in liver tissue and liver tissue damage. Biochemistry, radioimmunoassay, and ELISA were used to detect the serum liver function, hepatic fibrosis index, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels. Results Compared with the model group, serum ALT, AST, TBIL, γ-GGT, HA, LN, Ⅳ-C and PCⅢ levels, MMP-1 and the ratio of MMP-1/TIMP-1 increased significantly and level of TIMP-1 decreased significantly in Qishen Erlian Decoction groups, with statistical significance (P<0.05, P<0.01). And there is a certain dose-effect relationship, with Qishen Erlian Decoction high-dose group the best effect. Conclusion Qishen Erlian Decoction can improve the liver function and liver fibrosis indexes, regulate the level of MMP-1 and TIMP-1, and prevent the progression of liver fibrosis.