Total flavones of Bidens pilosa L′s effect on cytokines in liver fibrosis rats

Objectives To study the effect of total flavones of Bidens pilosa L (TFB) on cytokines production in liver fibrosis rats. Methods Rat liver fibrosis was induced by CCl450%, 0.1 ml·(100 g)-1 body weight twice a week for 18 weeks. TFB (160,80,40 mg·kg-1) was used daily via gastrogavage at 9 week. Levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum were determinate by radioimmunoassay. Liver samples were collected after experiments and stained by immuninochemistry of TGF-β1 and NF-κB. Moreover TGF-β1 mRNA expression in liver tissue was detected by RT-PCR technology. Results TFB (160, 80 mg·kg-1) could significantly reduce serum TNF-α and IL-1β contents; TFB(160, 80, 40 mg·kg-1) could effectively prevent the expression of NF-κB,as was TGF-β1 of TFB(160, 80 mg·kg-1). Moreover TFB (160, 80 mg·kg-1) could significantly reduce TGF-β1 mRNA in liver fibrosis rats. Conclusion TFB had protective effect on liver fibrosis by its inhibition of cytokine production.