ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DHZCP) on transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in rats hepatic stellate cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Liver fibrosis model rats were induced by CCl4 compound factor, and treated with DHZCP in three different dosages (ordinary, double and triple) separately. TGF-beta 1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) synthesis expression, and grades of fibrosis were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>TGF-beta 1 and alpha-SMA expression in the group treated with ordinary dose of DHZCP was insignificantly different from those in the control group (P > 0.05), but the expression attenuated significantly after treatment with double or triple dose of DHZCP in the portal area and discontinuous fibrous septum (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DHZCP of larger dosage could inhibit the hepatic stellate cells proliferation and secretion of TGF-beta 1, and reduce the genesis of collagen, so as to weaken the auto-secretion amplifying response of the cells, which might be one of the chief mechanisms of DHZCP in antagonizing liver fibrosis.</p>
