Effects of emodin on expression of Smad3 in rats with hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effects of emodin on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4),and examine its effects on the expression of Smad3.Methods:Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups,named as blank control group(n=10),CCl4 group(n=20),and emodin + CCl4 group(n=20).The rat models of experimental hepatic fibrosis were established by injection with CCl4.The treated rats received emodin via oral administration at a dosage of 20mg·kg-1·d-1 at the same time.The liver histopathology was examined by van Gieson's(VG) stain,and the mRNA and protein expressions of Smad3 were assessed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.Results:The fibrotic area in emodin + CCl4 group was decreased compared with the CCl4 group(P0.05).The mRNA and protein expression of Smad3 in the CCl4 group was significantly up-regulated than that in the blank control group,and that from CCl4 +emodin group was significantly down-regulated than in the CCl4 group(P0.05).Conclusion:Emodin exerted anti-hepatic fibrosis effect in rats via down-regulation expression of Smad3 in fibrotic liver tissue.