[Preventive effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on hepatic fibrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats and its mechanism.

METHODS

Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups: a normal control group (n=8), a model group (n=8), and a hydrogen sulfide prevention group (n=8). The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was reduced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The prevention group, in addition to intraperitoneal injection of 40% CCl4, was intraperitoneally administered H2S once a day until 8th week. After the experiment, the liver function and liver fibrosis were assayed. Liver tissue samples were used for histopathological changes. The expression of TGF-β1 in liver tissue was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, and PC III in the sulfide group were significantly reduced (P<0.01 or P<0.05), ALB content was increased (P<0.05) in the serum, TGF-β1 expression was obviously reduced, and the degree of liver fibrosis was improved (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Exogenous hydrogen sulfide can effectively inhibit the development of hepatic fibrosis, reduce the expression of TGF-β1, and decrease the the sediment of extracellular matrix in the liver tissues.