Intervention Effect of Heparin on hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells

Objective To evaluate the effects of heparin on the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs). Methods HSCs and KCs were separated by one-step density gradient centrifuge with nycodenz. The cultured HSCs and Kupffer cells were given of different concentrations heparin. MTT colorimetric assay was used to detect HSCs and Kupffer cells proliferation. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β_1)and laminin(LN)were measured with immunocytochemistry. Results The OD values of HSCs with high-dose heparin, low-dose heparin and without any drugs were 0.0626±0.0137,0.0746±0.0131 and 0.1106±0.0198,respectively. The OD values of KCs with high-dose heparin, low-dose heparin and without any drugs were 0.1340±0.0270,0.1540±0.0270 and 0.120±0.0444, respectively. The OD values of HSCs and KCs with heparin were lower than those without any drugs significantly. The OD values of HSCs and KCs with high-dose heparin were lower than those with low-dose heparin,but without significant difference. The expression of α-SMA, TGF-β_1 and LN in HSCs with heparin were weaker than that in HSCs without any drugs. Conclusion Heparin can inhibit the growth of HSCs and the collagen synthesis.