Berberine Protects Against Liver Fibrosis In Mice

Aim: To determine the protection and therapeutical effect of berberine_BBRon liver fibrosis.CC l4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and LX-2 cell line were used to investigate the roles of BBR in liver fibrosis and to investigate potential action mechanism.Methods : The model of liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4.In the prevention section,C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal,model and BBR preventive groups.In the treatment secion,C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal,model and BBR treatment groups.The model group,BBR preventive group and BBR treatment groups were injected with CCl4.At the same time,the BBR preventive group were treated with BBR.The BBR treatment groups were treated with BBR since the 4th week.After 6 weeks,the ALT and AST activity was measured,HE,Sirius red and IHC staining were performed.The expression levels of ?-SMA,Col1?1,TIMP-1,IL-1? and TNF-? in liver tissue were analyzed by Western blot and Real time-PCR.In vitro studies,the expression levels of ?-SMA,Col1?1 and TGF?1 in LX-2 were analyzed by Western blot and Real time-PCR.The expression levels of p-Smad2?p-p65?NOX4 in LX-2 were analyzed by Western blot.Results: Compared with model group,BBR reduced the histological injury and fibrosis as well as the levels of serum ALT and AST.The expression levels of ?-SMA,Col1?1,TIMP-1,IL-1? and TNF-? in liver tissue were significantly reduced.In vitro studies,the expression of ?-SMA,Col1?1,TGF?1,p-Smad2?p-p65?NOX4 in LX-2 were markedly reduced.BBR blocks LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation in LX-2 cell line.Conclusion: BBR ameliorates liver fibrosis through inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.