Dynamic gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in rat fibrotic liver tissue and effect of Xiayuexue Decoction

[Objective]To investigate the changes of mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1)in fibrotic liver tissue induced by porcine serum and effect of Xiayuxue Decoction,so as to highlight anti-fibrotic mechanism of Xiayuxue Decotion.[Methods]Liver fibrosis in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum.After 8wk of modeling,rats were given Xiayuxue Decoction for 4 weeks.Rats were sacrificed and sample was obtained for determination at 1w,2w,4w,8w and the end of 12 wk of modeling for determination with RT-PCR.[Results]Compared to that in normal group,MMP-9 mRNA expression in model group of 1,4,8 and 12 wk decreased significantly,while the expression in model group of 2wk increased significantly;compared to that in 12wk model group,MMP-9 mRNA expression increased significantly.Compared to that in normal group,TIMP-1 mRNA expression in model group of 1,2,4,8 and 12 wk increased significantly;compared to that in 12wk model group,TIMP-1 mRNA expression decreased significantly.[Conclusion]Dynamic changes of mRNA expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were seen in fibrotic liver tissue induced by porcine serum in rats,and the anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of Xiayuxue Decoction is to promote MMP-9 mRNA expression and inhibits TIMP-1 mRNA expression.