Effects of Yigan Decoction on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells

Application of UPLC-MS/MS to simultaneously detect four bioactive compounds in the tumour-shrinking decoction (FM1523) for uterine fibroids treatment

INTRODUCTION

The Chinese medicine formulation, tumour-shrinking decoction (TSD, FM1523), which consists of 15 natural medicines, is used for uterine fibroids (UFs) therapy and possesses excellent clinical therapeutic effect.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a sensitive and validated analytical method for the simultaneous quantification of four crucial bioactive compounds including isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, curcumin, peimine and tetrahydropalmatine in the principal formulation of this decoction.

METHODS

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) with an electrospray ionisation (ESI) source in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was conducted to investigate these bioactive compounds in the TSD. The chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column when the flow rate was adjusted at 0.2 mL/min with gradient elution of acetonitrile-water with 0.1% formic acid. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) method with higher extraction efficiency was employed for TSD sample pre-treatment.

RESULTS

The linearity, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were determined for this analytical method. The mean recoveries of the compounds were determined between 100.23% and 104.02% with satisfactory relative standard deviation (RSD) in the ranges of 2.65% to 3.81%. The precision was evaluated by intra-day and inter-day tests, which revealed RSD within the ranges of 1.21% to 2.14% and 1.24% to 2.32%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The bioactive compounds of TSD samples were successfully quantified via UPLC-MS/MS with MRM mode. This study could help to evaluate the pharmacokinetic study of TSD during clinical applications and present a facile strategy for quantifying bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese Medicine decoction.

Differential role of YiGanKang decoction in IL-1β induction of IL-1RI and AP-1 in rat hepatic stellate cell

BACKGROUND/AIM

YiGanKang, a combination of Chinese herbs, has anti-fibrosis effects in chronic liver diseases. The present study tries to demonstrate differential role of YiGanKang Decoction in interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induction of the type I receptor (IL-1RI) and the activator protein 1 (AP-1) in rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC).

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used to detect the IL-1RI expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays was used to detect AP-1 activity.

RESULTS

IL-1RI expression after IL-1β treatment for 0, 2, 10, 60, and 120 min was 227.08 (13.15), 268.43 (8.93), 442.97 (7.00), 367.66 (14.70), and 261.58 (15.08), respectively. The differences between IL-1RI expression after treatment for 10 and 60 min were significantly higher than the corresponding values in the control (P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively); After pretreatment with YiGanKang Decoction, IL-1RI expression induced by IL-1β was not decrease obviously; IL-1β could activate AP-1 in rat HSCs (P<0.01). Meanwhile YiGanKang Decoction could inhibit activity of AP-1 induced by IL-1β (P<0.01), and the inhibition rate was 42.71%.

CONCLUSION

YiGanKang Decoction could not decrease IL-1RI expression, but it could inhibit activity of AP-1 in rat HSCs induced by IL-1β.

Cortex Dictamni extract induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via STAT1 and attenuates liver fibrosis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicines, Cortex Dictamni is prescribed for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases such as acute rheumatoid arthritis, skin inflammation and jaundice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Cortex Dictamni on treatment of hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo effect of Cortex Dictamni extract (CDE) was evaluated by measuring histological changes and collagen content in CCl(4)-indcued hepatic fibrosis mice. Viability, apoptosis and protein expression of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were analyzed by MTT, Annexin V staining and Western blot respectively.

RESULTS

CDE alleviated CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and showed a much stronger inhibition of cell viability in activated HSC cell line HSC-T6 than that in normal hepatocyte L02 cells. Furthermore, CDE induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells associated with increased expressions of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3. Interestingly, CDE activated STAT1 in HSC-T6 cells and the effect of CDE on apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells could be neutralized using JAK/STAT1 signaling inhibitor AG490.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that CDE possesses anti-fibrosis activity with selectively induction of activated HSC apoptosis via activating STAT1, which might be a novel strategy for hepatic fibrosis therapy.

Suppressive effects of YiGanKang, a combination of Chinese herbs, on collagen synthesis in hepatic stellate cell

BACKGROUND/AIM

Clinical practice and animal research demonstrated that YiGanKang, a combination of Chinese herbs, has anti-fibrosis effects in chronic liver diseases. However, the mechanism is not clear. The present study is to investigate the inhibiting mechanism of YiGanKang on collagen type I synthesis induced by Interleukin-1β(IL-1 β) in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODS

Cultured rat HSCs were divided into 4 groups, control, IL-1β treated group, IL-1β+YiGanKang group and IL-1β+SB203580 (the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor) treated group. The expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), was evaluated by Western blot, collagen type I synthesis was examined by (3)H-Pro incorporation.

RESULTS

Type I collagen synthesis in HSCs increased significantly under the stimulation of IL-1β for 24h, YiGanKang could inhibit p38 expression and type I collagen synthesis, SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, can significantly reduce type I collagen synthesis.

CONCLUSION

IL-1β could stimulate the synthesis of type I collagen in rat HSCs, p38 mediate signal pathway between IL-1β and was type I collagen production. YiGanKang inhibits HSCs collagen synthesis induced by IL-1β via p38 inhibition.

Inhibition of Yigankang on proliferation of rat hepatic stellate cells induced by interleukin-1β

AIM: To study the mechanism of Yigankang in the proliferation inhibition of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODS: The activation of JNK pathway was detected by Western blot, while the proliferation of HSCs was induced by interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The effect of JNK inhibitor SP600125 was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and AP-1 activity was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS: Interleukin-1β up-regulated the proliferation of HSCs. After stimulation of IL-1β for 24 h, HSC proliferation increased significantly as compared with that in the controls (1.573 ± 0.026 vs 1.390 ± 0.073, P = 0.000). After treatment with different concentrations of SP600125 (10 µmol/L, 1.427 ± 0.113; 20 µmol/L, 0.772 ± 0.093; 40 µmol/L, 0.675 ± 0.074), HSC proliferation induced by IL-1β decreased significantly in comparison with that in the controls (1.560 ± 0.110) (P = 0.03; P = 0.000; P = 0.000). IL-1β activated JNK pathway in a time-dependent manner in rat HSCs. After stimulation of IL-1β for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min, the JNK activities were 0.982 ± 0.299, 1.501 ± 0.720, 2.133 ± 0.882, 3.360 ± 0.452, 2.181 ± 0.789, 1.385 ± 0.368, respectively. In comparison with those in the cells without IL-1β, JNK activities differed significantly at 15, 30 and 60 min (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, P = 0.001). Yigankang inhibited the activities of JNK (1.610 ± 0.242 vs 3.360 ± 0.452, P = 0.000) and AP-1 (342.43 ± 85.77 vs 597.70 ± 83.96, P < 0.01) obviously.

CONCLUSION: IL-1β can stimulate the proliferation of rat HSCs, and JNK signaling pathway was involved in the process. Yigankang can inhibit HSC proliferation induced by IL-1β through JNK/AP-1 pathway.

Interleukin-1 beta up-regulates tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA and phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase and p38 in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To study the relationship between interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) up-regulating tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMMP-1) mRNA expression and phosphorylation of both c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC).

METHODS: RT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA in rat HSC. Western blot was performed to measure IL-1β-induced JNK and p38 activities in rat HSC.

RESULTS: TIMMP-1 mRNA expression (1.191 ± 0.079) was much higher after treatment with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for 24 h than in control group (0.545 ± 0.091) (P<0.01). IL-1β activated JNK and p38 in a time-dependent manner. After stimulation with IL-1β for 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min，the JNK activity was 0.982 ± 0.299，1.501 ± 0.720, 2.133 ± 0.882, 3.360 ± 0.452, 2.181 ± 0.789, and 1.385 ± 0.368, respectively. There was a significant difference in JNK activity at 15 min (P < 0.01), 30 min (P < 0.01) and 60 min (P < 0.01) in comparison to that at 0 min. The p38 activity was 1.061 ± 0.310，2.050 ± 0.863，2.380 ± 0.573, 2.973 ± 0.953, 2.421 ± 0.793, and 1.755 ± 0.433 at the 6 time points (0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min) respectively. There was a significant difference in p38 activity at 5 min (P < 0.05), 15 min (P < 0.01), 30 min (P < 0.01) and 60 min (P < 0.01) compared to that at 0 min. TIMMP-1 mRNA expression trended to decrease in 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SP600125 (10 µmol/L, 1.022 ± 0.113; 20 µmol/L, 0.869 ± 0.070; 40 µmol/L, 0.666 ± 0.123). Their decreases were all significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.01) in comparison to control group (without SP600125 treatment, 1.163 ± 0.107). In the other 3 groups pretreated with different concentrations of SB203580 (10 µmol/L, 1.507 ± 0.099; 20 µmol/L, 1.698 ± 0.107; 40 µmol/L, 1.857 ± 0.054), the expression of TIMMP-1 mRNA increased. Their levels were higher than those in the control group (without SB203580 treatment, 1.027 ± 0.061) with a significant statistical significance (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: IL-1β has a direct action on hepatic fibrosis by up-regulating TIMMP-1 mRNA expression in rat HSC. JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in IL-1β-induced TIMMP-1 gene expression, and play a distinct role in this process, indicating that p38 and JNK pathways cooperatively mediate TIMP-1 mRNA expression in rat HSC.

The role and regulation of hepatic stellate cell apoptosis in reversal of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis and its end-stage disease cirrhosis are major world health problems arising from chronic injury of the liver by a variety of etiological factors including viruses, alcohol and drug abuse, the metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease and hereditary disorders of metabolism. Fibrosis is a progressive pathological process in which wound-healing myofibroblasts of the liver respond to injury by promoting replacement of the normal hepatic tissue with a scar-like matrix composed of cross-linked collagen. Until recently it was believed that this process was irreversible. However emerging experimental and clinical evidence is starting to show that even cirrhosis is potentially reversible. Key to this is the discovery that reversion of fibrosis is accompanied by clearance of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) by apoptosis. Furthermore, proof-of-concept studies in rodents have demonstrated that experimental augmentation of HSC apoptosis will promote the resolution of fibrosis. Consequently there is now considerable interest in determining the molecular events that regulate HSC apoptosis and the discovery of drugs that will stimulate HSC apoptosis in a selective manner. This review will consider the regulatory role played by growth factors (e.g. NGF, IGF-1, TGFbeta), death receptor ligands (TRAIL, FAS), components and regulators of extracellular matrix (integrins, collagen, matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors) and signal transduction proteins and transcription factors (Rho/Rho kinase, Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK), IkappaKinase (IKK), NF-kappa B). The potential for known pharmacological agents such as gliotoxin, sulfasalazine, benzodiazepine ligands, curcumin and tanshinone I to induce HSC apoptosis and therefore to be used therapeutically will be explored.

Seropharmacological effects of Yigankang and its separated recipe on activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the seropharmacological effects of Yigankang and its separated recipe (SR) on the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and to explore the antifibrotic mechanism of Yigankang.

METHODS: Normal rats and rats with CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis were given Yigankang and its separated recipe (containing radix salviae militiorrhizae, astragalus and angelica sinensis) to prepare the medicated serums. After incubation with the serums, the proliferation of HSCs was measured by H³-TdR incorporation, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS: Both kinds of medicated serums from normal rats and rats with liver fibrosis had inhibitory effects on ³H-TdR incorporation and α-SMA expression. In group A (medicated serum from normal rats), 50 mL/L medicated serum had no significant inhibition on the proliferation of HSCs as compared with the control serum (P>0.05), while 100 and 200 mL/L ones had (SR: 14.48%, 25.95% vs 0, Yigankang: 16.66%, 23.77% vs 0, P<0.01). The expression of α-SMA was markedly lower in SR and Yigankang group than that in the control group (optical density: 0.048±0.001, 0.042±0.002 vs 0.061±0.004, both P<0.01). In group B (medicated serum from rats with liver fibrosis), the serum at the concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mL/L inhibited the proliferation of HSCs significantly (SR: 7.44%, 16.80%, 30.01% vs 0, Yigankang: 8.02%, 18.36%, 29.53% vs 0, P<0.01). The level of α-SMA expression was obviously lower in SR and Yigankang group than that in the control group (optical density: 0.044±0.002, 0.038±0.001 vs 0.065±0.002, both P<0.01). SR and Yigankang at the same concentration had the same inhibition on ³H-TdR incorporation (P>0.05), but for the expression of α-SMA, Yigankang had a stronger inhibitory effect (P<0.05). The inhibitions of ³H-TdR incorporation and α-SMA expression were more evident in group B than those in group A (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Yigankang and its separated recipecan inhibit the proliferation and activation of HSCs. Yigankang is superior to its separated recipe and the medicated serum from rats with liver fibrosis is superior to that from normal rats.

N/A

N/A

Effects of Yigankang and its separated recipe on expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptor in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of Yigankang and small compound of radix salviae militiorrhizae on protein and gene expression of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-b (PDGFR-b) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

METHODS: The purified extracts and pharmaceutical serum from normal and liver fibrosis rats of Yigankang and small compound of radix salviae militiorrhizae were prepared respectively. The expression of PDGF-BB mRNA and protein were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, and the expression of PDGFR-b mRNA and protein were measured by RT-PCR and flow cytometry.

RESULTS: The purified extracts of Yigankang and small compound of radix salviae militiorrhizae decreased PDGF-BB protein expression by 78.79% and 56.77% and its mRNA by 67.13% and 43.59% (P<0.01); lowered PDGFR-b protein expression by 11.61% and 6.79% and its mRNA by 54.85% and 30.51% respectively (P<0.01). Yigankang and small compound of radix salviae militiorrhizae pharmaceutical serum from normal rats decreased PDGF-BB protein expression by 68.05% and 49.95% and its mRNA by 55.87% and 38.66% (P<0.01); lowered PDGFR-b protein expression by 10.98% and 6.48% and its mRNA by 39.67% and 21.38% respectively (P<0.01). Yigankang and small formula of radix salviae militiorrhizae pharmaceutical serum from liver fibrosis rats reduced PDGF-BB protein expression by 81.93% and 67.31% and its mRNA by 72.68% and 55.49% (P<0.01); decreased PDGFR-b protein expression by 17.43% and 11.15% and its mRNA by 60.46% and 46.47% respectively (P<0.01). With respect to the inhibitory effects mentioned above, Yigankang had more evidently action than its separated recipe did, and the pharmaceutical serum from liver fibrosis rats was superior to that from normal rats.

CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effect of Yigankang and its separated recipe on PDGF-BB and PDGFR-b expression may be one of the main mechanisms of their antifibrotic action, and the whole recipe was superior to the separated recipe.

Effects of Chinese traditional compound, JinSanE, on expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 type II receptor mRNA, Smad3 and Smad7 on experimental hepatic fibrosis in vivo

AIM: The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway system plays a prominent role in the control of cell growth and extracellular matrix formation in the progression of liver fibrogenesis. Smad proteins can either positively or negatively regulate TGF-β responses. In this study, the therapeutic effects of Chinese traditional compound decoction, JinSanE, and the changes of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway system in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced rat experimental liver fibrosis were examined.

METHODS: Seventy-two healthy Wistar rats were assigned to groups including normal control group, CCl₄ model group, JinSanE treatment group I and JinSanE treatment group II. Each group contained 18 rats. All groups, except the normal control group, received CCl₄ subcutaneous injection for 8 wk. Rats in JinSanE groups I and II were orally treated with JinSanE daily at the 1^st and 5^th wk, respectively, after exposure to CCl₄. The expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 type II receptor (TRII) mRNA in the liver was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of TGF-β1, Smad3 and Smad7 by immunohistochemistry. The liver histopathology was also examined by HE staining and observed under electron microscope. The activities of several serum fibrosis-associated enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the levels of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) were assayed.

RESULTS: Hepatic fibrosis caused by CCl₄ was significantly inhibited in the JinSanE-treated groups. The degrees of necrosis/degeneration and fibrosis scores were significantly lower in the JinSanE-treated groups than in the model control group. The expression of TGF-β1, TRII and Smad3 was significantly higher in the model group than that in the JinSanE-treated groups, and the active/total TGF-β1 ratio in the JinSanE groups was suppressed. Expression of TRII mRNA and Smad3 proteins showed a distribution pattern similar to that of TGF-β1 with a direct correlation in terms of the degree of hepatic fibrosis. The amount of positive staining Smad7 cells was significantly less in the model group than in the JinSanE-treated groups and the normal group. The contents of ALT, AST and HA were significantly lower in the JinSanE-treated groups than those in the model group.

CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese medicine, JinSanE, prevents the progression of hepatic damage and fibrosis through the inhibition of TGF-β1, TRII and Smad3 signal proteins, and increases expression of Smad7 signal protein in vivo.

Effects of different herb compatibilities of XCHT on a hepatocytic injury model induced by CCl4in vitro

AIM: To explore the effects of drug-contained serum of different herb compatibilities of Xiao Chaihu Tang (XCHT) on a hepatocytic injury model.

METHODS: The hepatocytic injury model was induced by CCl₄ (10 mmoL/L-1), The injured hepatocytes were incubated with CCl₄ and drug-contained serum of different herb compatibilities of XCHT for 24 h. The cells were observed under microscope with Giemsa and TUNEL staining. The apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Different herb compatibilities of XCHT could improve the hepatocytic proliferation rate, which was injured by CCl₄ significantly (1.22±1.00, 1.11±0.09, 1.12±0.18, 1.10±0.08, vs 0.78±0.07, P < 0.01), decrease ALT concentration in cell culture solution (948±162,748±278, 1 081±226, 1 148±163, vs 2 110±377, P < 0.01). There were obvious necrosis and apoptosis in the model group cell observed under the convert microscope and Giemsa and TUNEL staining. CCl₄ induced the apoptosis of cells in model group (2.9 467±1.0 007 vs 16.3 175±4.5 358, P < 0.01). The original recipe of XCHT group (G), bupleurum root-scutellaria root group (A) resisted the apoptosis induced by CCl₄ (4.2 117±2.3 733, 6.4 800±2.4 052, 5.6 200±2.0 573, 4.6 440±0.8 825, vs 16.3 175±4.5 358, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Drug-contained serum of different herb compatibilities of XCHT can protect hepatocytic injury induced by CCl₄in vitro. There are obvious apoptosis and necrosis when CCl₄ injures the hepatocyte. The different herb compatibilities of XCHT are of the effects of resisting hepatocytic apoptosis induced by CCl₄.

Inhibitory effect of Danshen-containing serum on proliferation of HSC-T6 cells

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of Danshen-containing serum on the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells and to construct anti-hepatic-fibrosis in vitro system for screening potential herbal drugs.

METHODS: The proliferation status of HSC-T6 cells was evaluated by calculating its growth curve and cloning efficiency. HSC-T6 cells were exposed to different volume fractions of Danshen-containing serum, including 80%, 40%, 20%, 10%, and 5% of original serum, and its inhibitory effect and dose-effect relationship were investigated.

RESULTS: The population doubling time of HSC-T6 was 10.57 hours and its cloning efficiency was 82.4%, which showed that this cell line had good capacity of activity and proliferation for tests. Ranging from 5% to 80% of original concentration, Danshen-containing serum had the dose-dependent inhibitory effect on HSC-T6 cell (analysis by linear regression, coefficient of correlation = 0.9487).

CONCLUSION: The Danshen-containing serum has significantly inhibitory effect on proliferation of HSC-T6 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

AIM: To study the effects of Ginko biloba extract (EGb) on hepato-fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (Cl₄) in rat model.

METHODS: Rat liver fibrosis model was induced by Cl₄ administration. Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, a model group, a interven-tional group, a therapeutic group, and a EGb group. The EGb interventional group, apart from administration of Cl₄, was treated concurrently with EGb 0.3 g/kg, ig once a day; the EGb therapeutic group was treated with EGb 0.3 g/kg, ig once a day after cirrhosis was induced successfully, and the EGb group was treated only with EGb 0.3 g/kg, ig once a day. At the end of wk 8 and 16, all the rats were sacrificed. The pathological changes of liver were observed by H-E and Von-Gieson staining.The expression of mRNA and proteins of collagen I/TGF₁ in liver were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: The degree of liver fibrosis and level of mRNA and proteins of collagen I/TGF₁ in liver were significantly reduced in the EGb interventional and therapeutic groups compared with those in the model group (type I collagen mRNA: 0.0 778±0.054 vs 0.2 361±0.113, 0.1 075±0.007 vs 0.2 361±0.113, P < 0.01; type I collagen proteins: 0.2 563±0.0 009 vs 0.2 885±0.0 025, 0.2 541±0.0 076 vs 0.2 885±0.0 025 , P < 0.01; TGF₁ mRNA: 0.523±0.015 vs 0.956±0.049 , 0.524±0.009 vs 0.956±0.049, P < 0.01; TGF₁ proteins: 0.2 785±0.0 012 vs 0.3 015±0.0 012, 0.2 791±0.0 016 vs 0.3 015±0.0 012, P < 0.01).The EGb group had the same results as the normal control group.

CONCLUSION: EGb has prophylactic and therapeutic effects on CCl₄-induced rat liver fibrosis, probably through its anti-lipoperoxidation, suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells and transition and reducing the synthesis of hepatic type I collagen and TGF₁.

Chinese herbs Kangxian ruangan keli inhibits expression of MEK-1 and c-fos in hepatic stellate cell indused by PDGF

AIM: To investigate the effect of Kangxian ruangan keli (KXR) on the expression of MEK-1 and c-fos in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) indused by PDGF.

METHODS: In a serum-free culture system, HSC was treated with a KXR preparation for 24 hours, followed by stimulation with PDGF-BB for 24 hours. Then the cells were incubated again in the medium containing KXR for 3 hours stimulated with PDGF-BB for 5 minutes, and collected. The proliferation of HSC was examined using an MTT assay. MEK-1 was detected with Western blotting and visualized by the enhenced chemiluminescent (ECL) method. The expression of c-fos mRNA was analyzed with in situ hybridization.

RESULTS: The A values for the HSC growing in the media without and with addition of PDGF were 0.170±0.060 and 0.820±0.050, respectively. The PDGF-induced increase was hindered remarkably by KXR preparation in a dose-dependent manner. Reaction values for the systems with 5 g/L and 1.25 g/L of KXR were 0.280±0.030 and 0.430±0.040 respectively, lower significantly than that in the culture free of KXR (0.820±0.050, P < 0.01). In addition, values for MEK-1 in HSC treated with 5 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL of KXR were 0.143±0.013, and 0.170±0.007, respectively, being lower than that in the cells treated only with PDGF-BB (0.186±0.010, P < 0.01). The expression level of c-fos mRNA was 0.152±0.010 and 0.163±0.005, respectively, also lower than that of the PDGF group (0.183±0.014, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Within the dose range used in the present study, KXR preparation shows an inhibitory effect on HSC proliferation induced by PDGF. The mechanism of this process may involve interference with Ras-MEK-MAPK singal transduction mediated by PDGF.

Kangxian ruangan keli inhibits hepatic stellate cell proliferation mediated by PDGF

AIM: To investigate the effect of Kangxian ruangan keli (KXR) on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) proliferation mediated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS: In a serum-free culture system, HSCs were treated with a KXR preparation for 24 h, followed by stimulation with PDGF-BB for 24 h. Then the cells were incubated again in the medium containing KXR for 3 h stimulated with PDGF-BB for 5 minutes, and collected. The proliferation of HSC was examined using an MTT assay and flow cytometry. Tyrosine phosphorylation was detected with Western blotting and visualized by the enhenced chemiluminescent (ECL) method.

RESULTS: The OD values for the HSCs growing in the media without and with addition of PDGF were 0.17 ± 0.06 and 0.82 ± 0.05, respectively. The PDGF-induced increase was hindered remarkably by KXR preparation in a dose-dependent manner. The reaction values for the systems with 5 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL of KXR were 0.28 ± 0.03, 0.37 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.04, respectively. Moreover, the percentages of S-phase cells in these KXR-containing culture systems were 10.95 ± 1.35, 32.76 ± 1.07 and 43.19 ± 1.09, respectively, all of which were significantly lower than that in the culture free of KXR (68.24 ± 2.72). In addition, the values for tyrosine-phosphorylated protein in HSCs treated with 5 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL of KXR were 0.1349 ± 0.0072 and 0.1658 ± 0.0025, respectively, which were smaller than that in the cells treated only with PDGF-BB (0.1813 ± 0.0117).

CONCLUSION: Within the dose range used in the present study, KXR preparation shows an inhibitory effect on HSC proliferation induced by PDGF. The mechanism of this process may involve interference with tyrosine phosphorylation mediated by PDGF.

Effects of estradiol on type I, III collagens and TGF β1 in hepatic fibrosis in rats

AIM

To study the effects of estradiol on the production of collagen I, III and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF β₁) in experimental fibrosis in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), and to investigate the suppressive effects of estrogen on liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Rats were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model control group, a therapy control group and an estradiol group. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCL₄ administration. The estradiol group, apart from the administration of CCL₄, was treated subcutaneously with estradiol (benzoic estradiol) 1 mg/kg twice weekly. At the end of week 8, all the rats were sacrificed. Liver inflammation and collagen deposition were observed with HE and Masson's collagen stains, analyzed with scoring and staging systems. Type I, III collagens and TGF β₁ were observed with immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS

CCL₄ group had the typical liver fibrosis compared with normal control group. The fibrous septa were formed in CCL₄ group rats, and collagens were accumulated and deposited in the sinusoids and liver lobules. The expression of type I , III collagens (0.58±0.26 vs 6.34±2.24, 1.07±0.49 vs 5.28±1.28, P<0.001) and TGF β₁ was significantly increased. Estradiol significantly attenuated collagen accumulation (P<0.05) in the fibrotic livers, and decreased type I , III collagens (2.47±0.76 vs 6.34±2.24, 3.02±1.20 vs 5.28±1.28, P<0.05) and TGF β₁ expression in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Estradiol treatment reduces the synthesis of hepatic type I , III collagens and TGF β₁ in the fibrotic liver induced by CCL₄ administration, and attenuates hepatic fibrosis.

Expression of local renin and angiotensinogen mRNA in cirrhotic portal hypertensive patient

AIM: To investigate the expression of local renin and angiotensinogen mRNA in cirrhotic portal hypertensive patients.

METHODS: The expression of local renin and angiotensinogen mRNA in the liver, splenic artery and vein of PH patients was detected by RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS: Expression of local renin mRNA in the liver of control group was (0.19 ± 0.11), significantly lower than that in splenic artery(0.45 ± 0.17)or splenic vein(0.39 ± 0.12) respectively, (P < 0.05). Expression of local angiotensinogen mRNA in the liver was (0.64 ± 0.21), significantly higher than that in splenic artery(0.41 ± 0.15) or in splenic vein (0.35 ± 0.18) respectively, (P < 0.05). Expression of local renin mRNA in the liver, splenic artery and vein of PH group was (0.78 ± 0.28), (0.86 ± 0.35) and (0.81 ± 0.22) respectively, significantly higher than that in the control group, (P < 0.05). Expression of local angiotensinogen mRNA in the liver, splenic artery and vein of PH group was (0.96 ± 0.25), (0.83 ± 0.18) and (0.79 ± 0.23) respectively, significantly higher than that in the control group, (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the liver, splenic artery and vein in the expression of local renin or local angiotensinogen mRNA in PH group, (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In normal subjects the expression of local renin and angiotensinogen mRNA was organ specific, but with increase of the expression of LRAS, the organ-specificity became lost in cirrhotic patients. LRAS may contribute to increased resistance of portal vein with liver and formation of splanchnic vasculopathy.

Effect of Activin on extracelluar matrix secretion in isolated rat hepatic stellate cell

AIM

To investigate the effect of activin A on the extracelluar matrix secretion of rat hepatic stellate cell.

METHODS

Hepatic stellate cells were isolated and purified from normal male Sprague-Dawley rat liver by a combination of pronase-collagenase perfusion and density gradient centrifugation. Passaged hepatic stellate cells were divided randomly into eight groups: control group(A group), ACTA 1 μg/L group (B group), ACTA 10 μg/L group(C group), ACTA 100 μg/L group (D group), TGF β₁ 10 μg/L group(E group), TGF β₁ 10 μg/L plus ACTA 1 μg/L group(F group), TGF β₁ 10 μg/L plus ACTA 10 μg/L group(G group), TGF β₁ 10 μg/L plus ACTA 100 μg/L group(H group). 24 h after incubation secretion of procollagen Ⅲ, collagen Ⅳ and mRNA of collagen Ⅲ in hepatic stellate cells were detected by radioimmunoassays and semi-quantitative RT-PCR method respectively.

RESULTS

Extracellular matrix secretion in passaged hepatic stellate cells was enhanced by activin A according to its concentration, the capacity of extracellular matrix secretion by 100 μg/L activin A was equal to that of 10 μg/L TGF β₁, extracellular matrix secretion and type Ⅲ collagen mRNA expression in passaged hepatic stellate cells was enhanced by activin A and TGFβ₁ in a synergistic manner.

CONCLUSION

Activin A may contribute to hepatic fibrogenesis.

Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells in vitro

AIM

To investigate the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor caffeic acid phenethy1 ester (CAPE) in the proliferation, collagen synthesis and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of rats.

METHODS

The HSCs from rats were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and treated with CAPE. The proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSCs were determined by (3)H-TdR and (3)H-proline incorporation respectively, and the expression of type I, III procollagen genes was further explored by in situ hybridization. Apoptosis cell indices (AIs) were examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase- mediated DIG-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL).

RESULTS

In activated HSC in culture, CAPE significantly inhibited (3)H-TdR and (3)H-proline incorporation by HSCs at concentrations of 5 micromol/L and 10 micromol/L respectively. CAPE also reduced the type I procollagen gene expression (P<0.05) at higher concentration. Apoptosis of HSC was induced by CAPE and the AIs were time-and dose-dependently increased from 2.82+/-0.73 % to 7.66+/-1.25 % at 12 h (P<0.01) and from 3.15+/-0.88 % to 10.61+/-2.88 % at 24 h (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

CAPE inhibits proliferation and collagen synthesis of HSC at lower concentration and induces HSC apoptosis at higher concentration.

Effects of hepatocyte growth factor on fibrosis and hepatic expression of MMP-1 andTIMP-1

AIM: To investigate the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on severity of liver fibrosis and hepatic expressions of MMP-1, TIMP-1 and to explore the mechanism of HGF in preventing liver fibrosis in rats.

METHODS: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (Group A, 16 rats), liver fibrosis model group (Group B, 54 rats) and HGF therapy group (Group C, 10 rats). The liver fibrosis model was induced by administration CCl₄ intraperitoneally. Rats in Group C had been administered HGF for six weeks and were sacrificed afterwards. Eight rats from each of group A and B were randomly sacrificed on week 6 simultaneously as that in group C. The remaining rats in-group B were randomly further subdivided into liver fibrosis model group (Group D, 12 rats) and HGF therapy group (Group E, 10 rats), HGF was administered to rats in group E on week. 7.All rats in group D and E were sacrificed on week 10.Liver function and levels of serum hyaluronic acid (HA), mucin (LN), collegen type IV (CIV), procollagen III (PCIII) were tested; the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were determined by immunohistochemical staining and analyzed by computer.

RESULTS: Compared with Group B, the serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, CIV, PCIII in Group C were significantly reduced (P < 0.01), MMP-1 activity was slightly increased (0.25 ± 0.02, vs 0.22 ± 0.05, P < 0.05), TIMP-1 activity was markedly reduced (0.34 ± 0.05, vs 0.45 ± 005, P < 0.01). TIMP-1 activity in Group E (0.31 ± 0.07) was also markedly reduced in comparison with Group D (0.42 ± 0.06) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: HGF has obvious effect in preventing development of liver fibrosis; it might facilitate degradation of hepatic fibrosic tissue via increasing the MMP-1 activity and or inhibiting TIMP-1 activity.

Estrogen reduces CCL4- induced liver fibrosis in rats

AIM: Chronic liver diseases, such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, are more common in men than in women. This gender difference may be related to the effects of sex hormones on the liver. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of estrogen on CCL₄-induced fibrosis of the liver in rats.

METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in male, female and ovariectomized rats by CCL₄ administration. All the groups were treated with estradiol (1 mg/kg) twice weekly. And tamoxifen was given to male fibrosis model. At the end of 8 wk, all the rats were killed to study serum indicators and the livers.

RESULTS: Estradiol treatment reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hyaluronic acid (HA) and type IV collagen (CIV) in sera, suppressed hepatic collagen content, decreased the areas of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and lowered the synthesis of hepatic type I collagen significantly in both sexes and ovariectomy fibrotic rats induced by CCL₄ administration. Whereas, tamoxifen had the opposite effect. The fibrotic response of the female liver to CCL₄ treatment was significantly weaker than that of male liver.

CONCLUSION: Estradiol reduces CCL₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The antifibrogenic role of estrogen in the liver may be one reason for the sex associated differences in the progression from hepatic fibrosis to cirrhosis.

Apoptosis of hepatoma cells SMMC-7721 induced by Ginkgo biloba seed polysaccharide

AIM: To study the apoptosis of hepatoma cells SMMC-7721 induced by polysaccharide isolated from Ginkgo biloba seed.

METHODS: Ginkgo biloba seed polysaccharide (GBSP) was isolated by ethanol fractionation of Ginkgo biloba seed and purified by Sephadex G-200 chromatography. The purity of GBSP was verified by reaction with iodine-potassium iodide and ninhydrin and confirmed by UV spectrophotometer, cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis and Sepharose 4B gel filtration chromatography. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Flow Cytometry (FCM) were used to examine the SMMC-7721 cells with and without GBSP treatment at 500 mg/mL for 36 h.

RESULTS: GBSP product obtained was of high purity with the average molecular weight of 1.86 × 10⁵. Quantitative analysis of SMMC-7721 cells in vitro with FCM showed that the percentages of G2-M cells without and with GBSP treatment were 17.01% ± 1.28% and 11.77% ± 1.50% (P < 0.05), the debris ratio of the cells were 0.46% ± 0.12% and 0.06% ± 0.06% (P < 0.01), and the apoptosis ratio of cells was 3.84% ± 0.55% and 9.13% ± 1.48% (P < 0.01) respectively. Following GBSP treatment, microvilli of SMMC-7721 cells appeared thinner and the number of spherical cells increased markedly. Most significantly, the apoptosis bodies were formed on and around the spherical cells treated with GBSP.

CONCLUSION: GBSP could potentially induce the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells.