Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid on experimental liver fibrosis in rats

Objective :To study the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid(SSTF)on rat experimental liver fibrosis induced by CCL_4. Methods :All rats were divided into five groups:normal control,model group,SSTF there groups.Rats liver fibrosis model was induced by subcutaneous injection of CCL_4 twice a week for 8 weeks.During the course,rats were protected with SSTF(17.5,35,70 mg/kg)by stomach every day for 8 weeks all rats were sacrificed.Pahtological change of liver tissue observed under light microscope by H.E and Van-Gieson staining.The activity of serum alanine transaminase(ALT)and content of rat liver tissue hydroxyproline(Hyp)were measured.The expression of transforming growth facter β_1(TGF-β_1)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Result :SSTF could improve the pathological changes of liver tissue,the level of serum ALT and the contents of liver Hyp were significantly decreased.The expression of TGF-β 1 and α-SMA in the protective group were much lower than those in the CCL_4 group. Conclusion :SSTF has protective effect on liver injury and can inhibit liver fibrosis in rats induced by CCL 4,probably because it can depress the expression of TGF β 1 and the activation of hepatic stellate cell,then production of extracellular matrix were inhibited.