An experimental study on the mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis with Chinese medicinal herbs Fufangbiejiaruanganpian / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effect of the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, Fufangbiejiaruanganpian (FFBJRGP), in an experimental model of hepatic fibrosis and its pharmacodynamics. Methods An experimental model of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rat was reproduced, and FFBJRGP was given in high, moderate, and low dosage for 0, 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. Six months after the treatment, matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2, MMP-13, MT-MMP-1, MT-MMP-2 and their inhibitor TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, total extracellular matrix and collagen I, Ⅲ and Ⅳ, and active hepatic stellate cells in the fibrotic livers were qualitatively and quantitatively examined at the protein and/or mRNA expression levels by using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, image analysis and Chevallier's scoring system. Meanwhile, enzyme-degrading activities of MMP-2 and MMP-13 were assessed with gelatin or collagen substrate zymography respectively. Results Compared with the control group, in which rats with hepatic fibrosis were not treated with FFBJRGP, the histological examination of rat livers in the treatment groups showed that the total scores of hepatic fibrosis in treatment groups with varions dosage were significantly decreased 3,6 months after the treatment and 3,6 months after the termination of treatment (P