Protective Effect of Gypenosides on Experimental Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Objective:To study the effect of gypenosides (GP) on experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats.Methods:The rat hepatic fibrotic model was induced by the peritoneum injection of 50% CCl 4 (twice a week for 6 weeks). The fibrotic rats were treated with low-dose and high-dose GP (100～200 mg/kg ip, once a day for 42 days) during inducing animal model. Liver function and level of MDA and SOD in liver tissue were determined. Histopathological changes were examined by optical microscopy and electronic microscopy. The expression of fibernectine (Fn) in liver tissue were detected by immunohistochemical techniques.Results:Compared with model group, it revealed that in GP-treated rats:Liver function was improved, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) obviously decreased (P 0.05 or P0.01). Level of MDA in liver tissue was markedly reduced (P0.05 or P0.01). The activities of SOD in liver tissue was significantly elevated. The degrees of fibrosis were reduced (P0.05 or P0.01). The expression of Fn in liver tissue were ameliorated.Conclusion:GP has an protective effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats. The effect may be related to its preventing liver cell against injury and inhibiting liver Fn expressions.