Effect of Total Flavone from Litchi chinensis Sonn on Expression of MMP-2 in Rats Livers with Hepatic Fibrosis

Objective:To observe theexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) in the livers of rats with hepatic fibrosis,and the effects of total flavone from Litchi chinensis Sonn(TFL) on rats.Method:The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of DMN(dimethylnitrosamine).TFL was orally given at a dose of 100,200 mg·kg-1·d-1.Colchicine was used as a positive control.After 6 weeks,all rats were sacrificed and their left liver lobes were examined histopathologically.The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by HE and Masson straining;serum levels of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were detected by an biochemical analytical tool in the laboratory test department of our hospital.The expression of MMP-2 in liver tissue was assessed by S-P immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies against MMP-2.Result:Serum levels of ALT nad AST were significantly lower in the TFL group and the colchicine group than that in the fibrosis model group(all P0.05).The degree of hepatic fibrosis in the TFL group was less severe compared with those of the fibrosis model.The expression levels of MMP-2 in the TFL group and colchicine group were lower than in that the liver fibrosis model group(P0.05).Conclusion:TEL can improve the degree of fibrosis,the mechanism possibly involve the inhibition of the expression of MMP-2.