Study of spontaneous regression of hepatic fibrosis in rats

Objective To investigate the pathologic changes of rats' fibrotic liver after eliminating the inducing factor and the dynamic changes of expression and tissue distribution of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1). Methods Thirty male SD rats were divided into five groups: group one was taken as the normal control group (N group), the other 4 groups were CCl4 hepatic fibrosis models. Six rats were killed in each group on day 0,7, 20 and 30 day(F, T1, T2, T3 group). Histological grading of hepatic fibrosis and expression of TGF-β1 were determined by the RT-PCR methods and immunohistochemistry. Results Thirty days after cessation of CC14 injection, decrement of the recovery of liver fibrosis histological grading emerged and expression of TGF-β1 decreased within 7 days after cessation of CCl4 treatment. Conclusion After eliminating the inducing factor, hepatic fibrosis can reverse spontaneously, and decrease of TGF-β1 can occur before the emergence of pathologic changes. (Shanghai Med J, 2006, 29:741-743)