Role of intestinal endotoxemia and hepatic stellate cell in hepatic fibrosis

Objective To investigate the role of intestinal endotoxemia(IETM)and hepatic stellate cells(HSC)in hepatic fibrosis,and to further explore the relationship of IETM and HSC.Methods All rats were divided into two groups:normal control group(n=6)and hepatic fibrosis group(n=15).The rats were fed with normal diet in control group and complex diet(including CCl4,alcohol,etc)in hepatic fibrosis group.After 4 weeks,the rats were executed.The activation of HSC was observed with transmission electron microscope(TEM),and the expression of α-SMA in hepatic tissues was examined by immunohistochemical techniques.The changes of plasma endotoxine,ALT,HA,MDA were detected.Results The activation of HSC was observed at the end of 4th week with transmission electron microscope.Immunohistochemical results showed that α-SMA expression in hepatic fibrosis group was higher than in normal control group.Plasma ET,ALT,HA,MDA levels in hepatic fibrosis group were significantly higher than in normal control group.Conclusion IETM and the activation of HSC may occur in hepatic fibrosis.