Relationship Among Matrix Metalloproteinases Its Inhibitory Factor and Different TCM Syndromes of Liver Fibrosis

Objective To observe the different expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inhibitory factor in different TCM syndromes of liver fibrosis. Methods The 140 male SD rats were randomized into 4 groups:20 in normal control group,30 in simple liver fibrosis group,45 in liver fibrosis liver stagnation and spleen deficiency group,and 45 in liver fibrosis qi deficiency and blood stasis group. All rats of model groups were treated by CCl4 to establish the liver fibrosis models first,and the rats of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency group were treated by stimulating tails with forceps and gastric infusion of rhubarb decoction,and the rats of qi deficiency and blood stasis group were treated by the method of swimming-fatigue. Then each group was intervened by the relevant medicine. After treatment,the Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2),Matrix Metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloprotienas-2 (TIMP-2) of liver were examined. Results The MMP-2,MMP-9 and TIMP-2 of model groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (P0.01 or P0.05),and the increase of those of qi deficiency and blood stasis group were most obvious. Conclusion The MMPs and inhibitory factor closely relate with liver fibrosis,their expression in different TCM syndromes is different,serving as one of indexes for differentiation of TCM syndromes and evaluating therapeutic effect.