Study on the anti-liver fibrosis effect of benefit liver granule and its mechanism in rats

Abstract

To explore the effect of Benefit Liver Granule (BLG), a traditional Chinese medical preparation, in antagonizing liver fibrosis and its possible mechanism. Carbon tetrachloride was used to establish the experimental liver fibrosis model of rat. The model rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and BLG, Astragalus (As), Salvia (Sa) and normal saline (for control) respectively were given to them by gastrogavage. Changes of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), transforming growth factor α(TGF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6), liver content of hydroxyproline (Hyp), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) as well as liver pathology after treatment were observed. A normal control group was also established for control. Pathological examination showed that in the saline group, the structure of normal hepatic lobuli was destroyed with swelled liver cells, focal necrosis, extensive fatty degeneration, and focal inflammatory cell infiltration. Small amounts of proliferated fiber tissue were found in the intra-lobular area, peri-central vein area, portal area and limiting plate area, and formation of pseudolobuli was also seen. In the 3 treated groups, the serum ALT, AST, TGF-α and IL-6 as well as liver content of Hyp, and MDA were lower and SOD were higher than those in the control group significantly,P<0.05 orP<0.01. BLG, As and Sa have the action of anti-liver fibrosis, while BLG has the best effect. The mechanisms are probably related to their effects in regulating TGF-α and IL-6, reducing collagen fiber synthesis, promoting free radical scavenge and anti-lipid peroxidation.