[Effect of dahuang zhechong pill on transforming growth factor-beta 1 in hepatic stellate cells in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DHZCP) on transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in rats hepatic stellate cells.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSION

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.