Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on the expression of myocyte enhancer factor 2A and α-smooth muscle actin in process of hepatic stellate cell Activation

[Objective]To study the influence of myocyte enhancer factor 2A(MEF2A) in the process of hepatic stellate cell(HSC) activation,and the impact of tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) on MEF2A level,and to discuss the mechanisms of TMP against hepatic fibrosis.[Methods]HSCs were isolated from rats and then primarily cultured and subcultured in vitro.After isolated and cultured,HSCs were collected at different time points,including 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 days for observation of the relation between MEF2A and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),which is the index of HSC activation.Then 2-4 passaged HSCs were cultured for 48 hours with different concentrations of TMP(50,100,150,200mg/L).After culture,the inhibition of HSC proliferation and the on expression of MEF2A were determined.[Results]① The expression of MEF2A and α-SMA was increased gradually in the process of HSC activation,indicating positive correlation between them(r=0.90,P0.05).MEF2A DNA binding activity was increased gradually during HSC activation.②The inhibitory effect of HSC proliferation and MEF2A expression were strongly strengthened as TMP concentration increased.[Conclusion]MEF2A might be involved in the activation of HSC.The inhibition of HSC proliferation by TMP may be related to the effective inhibition of MEF2A expression.