Effects of Pearl Hydrolysate on Hepatic Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell Viability and Capillarization in Liver Fibrosis / 中国医学科学院学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of pearl hydrolysate on hepatic sinusoidal capillarization in liver fibrosis. Methods Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSEC) and hepatic stellate cells (HSC-LX2) were incubated with Hepu pearl hydrolysate.The proliferation of HSEC and HSC-LX2 was examined by MTT colorimetry.The cell cycle and apoptosis of HSC-LX2 were measured by flow cytometry.The changes of the microstructures such as fenestra and basement membrane of HSEC were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results The intervention with leptin increased the viability of HSC-LX2 (P=0.041),decreased the viability of HSEC (P=0.004),and caused capillarization signs such as decreased number and diameter of fenestrae and formation of continuous basement membrane.The treatment with pearl hydrolysate at different doses increased and expanded the fenestrae of HSEC (low doseP=0.020;medium doseP=0.028;high doseP=0.032),disintegrated the extracellular basement membrane of HSEC (low doseP=0.020;medium doseP=0.028;high doseP=0.032),decreased the viability of HSC-LX2 (low doseP=0.018;medium doseP=0.013;high doseP=0.009),and induced the apoptosis of HSC-LX2 (low doseP=0.012;medium doseP=0.006;high doseP=0.005).Pearl hydrolysate exerted therapeutic effect on capillarization in a dose-dependent manner (low doseP=0.020;medium doseP=0.028;high doseP=0.032).Moreover,high-dose pearl hydrolysate showed stronger effect on capillarization of hepatic sinuses than colchicine (P=0.034) and salvianolic acid B (P=0.038). Conclusion Hepu pearl hydrolysate can increase the viability of HSEC,restore the area of fenestrae,disintegrate the basement membrane,and decrease the viability and induce the apoptosis of HSC-LX2,demonstrating significant pharmacological effects on the capillarization of HSEC and HSC-LX2.