Effect of “JinSanE” on the expression and localization of CTGF and TGF-?_1 mRNA in fibrotic liver in rats / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect and its mechanism of “JinSanE” on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Methods Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into three groups: healthy controls, CCl4 induced cirrhotic rats, and CCl4 induced cirrhotic rats treated with “JinSanE”, which was begun at the fourth week after exposure to CCl4. “JinSanE” was given once a day. Rats were killed after the administration of “JinSanE” for 4 weeks. The anti-fibrosis effect was determined by the expressions of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-? 1 (TGF-? 1) in liver tissue. The CTGF and TGF-? 1 mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR, CTGF and TGF-? 1 were assessed after immunohistochemistry staining. The serum level of hyaluronic acid (HA) was determined by RIA, and the liver histopathology was observed with light and electronic microscopy. Results Compared with the CCl4 induced cirrhotic rats, the expressions of TGF-? 1 and CTGF were decreased in the liver of the rats which were given “JinSanE” (P