Influences of Kangxianfang Decoction on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Hepatic Stellate Cells and the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1

Objective: To investigate antifibrotic pharmacological actions of the Kangxianfang decoction. Methods: The hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were isolated from the normal rats and cultured regularly. Kangxianfang decoction was fed on the normal rats. The drug sera were collected from these rats and incubated with subcultured HSC. Cells proliferation was detected with MTT colorimetric assay. Cells apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in the HSC was observed with in situ hybridization. Results: Kangxianfang could inhibit HSC proliferation and increase the apoptosis rate of HSC. It could increase the expression of MMP-1 and inhibit the expression of TIMP-1. Conclusion: Antifibrotic mechanism of Kangxianfang decoction perhaps was associated with inhibition of HSC proliferation, the expression of TIMP-1, and increase in cells apoptosis, the expression of MMP-1.