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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Huangqi decoction inhibits apoptosis and fibrosis, but promotes Kupffer cell activation in dimethylnitrosamine-induced rat liver fibrosis

Authors: Cheng Liu, Gaoqiang Wang, Gaofeng Chen, Yongping Mu, Lijun Zhang, Xudong Hu, Mingyu Sun, Chenghai Liu, Ping Liu

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

Previously, Huangqi decoction (HQD) has been found to have a potential therapeutic effect on DMN-induced liver cirrhosis. Here, the mechanisms of HQD action against liver fibrosis were investigated in relation to hepatocyte apoptosis and hepatic inflammation regulation.

Methods

Liver fibrosis was induced by DMN administration for 2 or 4 weeks. Hepatocyte apoptosis and of Kupffer cells (KC) and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) interaction were investigated using confocal microscopy. The principle cytokines, fibrogenic proteins and apoptotic factors were investigated using western blot analysis.

Results

Compared with the DMN-water group, HQD showed decreased hepatocyte apoptosis and reduced expression of apoptotic effectors, cleaved-caspase-3, and fibrotic factors, such as smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). However, the KC marker CD68 increased significantly in DMN-HQD liver. Confocal microscopy demonstrated widespread adhesion of KCs to HSCs in DMN-water and DMN-HQD rats liver.

Conclusions

HQD exhibited positive protective effects against liver fibrosis; its mechanism of action was associated with protection from hepatocyte apoptosis and the promotion of CD68 expression in the devolopment of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis development.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Huangqi decoction inhibits apoptosis and fibrosis, but promotes Kupffer cell activation in dimethylnitrosamine-induced rat liver fibrosis
Authors
Cheng Liu
Gaoqiang Wang
Gaofeng Chen
Yongping Mu
Lijun Zhang
Xudong Hu
Mingyu Sun
Chenghai Liu
Ping Liu
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-51

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