Protective Effects And Mechanisms Of Yulangsan Polysaccharide (YLS) On Hepatic Fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis results from the disequilibrium between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Intense research has established that hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a central role in the process. During fibrogenesis, quiescent HSC are transformed into myofibroblast-like cells contribute significantly to the process of fibrous scar formation. Recent efforts to understand liver fibrosis focus on oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been postulated as a important mechanism involved in activation of HSC, which the reactive oxygen species play an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Depletion of oxidative-free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation is expected to be a new target for inhibiting hepatic fibrosis.The total extract of Yulangsan has been proved to be an effective antioxidant that has protective effects on CCl₄, TAA and AP-induced acute liver injury in mice, and is used in the treatment of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore , Yulangsan polysaccharide(YLS) as the major effective ingredient that has inhibited lipid peroxidation, is expected to be an effective agent to prevent liver fibrosis as an antioxidant. This study was designed to investigate further whether YLS has a preventive effect on liver fibrogenesis and how it works.1. The analysis result on composition of YLSYLS didn't contain protein and nucleic acid. It showed high purity of polysaccharide when identified by means of Sephadex G-75 column or high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). It was composed of glucose and arabinose. Typical absorption of polysaccharide was show in its IR spectrum .2. The protective effects of total extract of Yulangsan on CCl₄ -induced hepatic fibrosis in ratsThe model of hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by injecting subcutaneously with CCl₄...