18α-Glycyrrhizin induces apoptosis and suppresses activation of rat hepatic stellate cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of 18α Glycyrrhizin (GL) on rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro.

Material/methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, liver fibrosis group, high-dose 18α GL group (25 mg/ kg/d), intermediate-dose 18α GL group (12.5 mg/kg/d) and low-dose 18α GL group (6.25 mg/ kg/d). The rat liver fibrosis model was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and NF-kappaB were determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

18αGL dose-dependently inhibited the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. There were significant differences in the mRNA and protein expressions

SUBMITTER: Qu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3560665 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature