[Effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on cytokines in liver fibrosis rats].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on cytokines production in liver fibrosis rats and its mechanism.

METHODS

SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, including normal group, liver fibrosis model group, PNS (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) treated groups and Col group. Rat liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 twice a week for 18 weeks. PNS were administered daily from the 9th week for 10 weeks. The IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha level in serum were determined by radioimmunity. The degree of liver fibrosis was observed by HE and immuninochemistry. The expression of TGF-beta, TNF-alpha mRNA were detected by RT-PCR technology.

RESULTS

Compared with the fibrotic model group, PNS (100, 200 mg/kg) could not only significantly reduce histopathological change, but also effectively decrease the level of IL-1, IL-6, NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha ,TGF-beta, and increase the level of IL-10.

CONCLUSION

PNS has protective effect on liver fibrosis and it maybe related to regulating cytokine network.