Effects of rhein on immunological hepatic fibrosis induced by porcine serum in rats

Objective Adopt immunological hepatic fibrosis induced by porcine serum in rats.To investigate the anti-fibrotic and hepatocyte-protective effects of rhein(RH) and to elucidate its mechanism.Methods All rats were given subcutaneous injection of pig serum after 16 weeks.Degrees of fibrosis were detected by histopathology under optical microscopy.The expressions of CTGF,TGF-β1 were measured by immunochemical techniques.Results The model group had shown typical hepatic fibrosis.the expressions of Transforming growth factor-β1,Connective tissue growth factor increased obviously.rehin-treated group could strikingly reduced the collagen area and the expressions of Transforming growth factor-β1,Connective tissue growth factor was apparently superior to model contrast group.Conclusion Rehin could improve liver functions and slow down the progression of hepatic fibrosis.The mechanism of such effects may due to inhibiting express of TGF-β1 and CTGF.