Artesunate inhibits the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and induces apoptosis by upregulating ceramide

Objective:To investigate the relationship between ceramide and artesunate on antifibrotic effect. Methods:The cultured hepatic stellate cells were divided into experimental group and control group,with the former including different concentrations of artesunate-treated groups and ceramide-treated groups. Cell proliferation rate was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2,5-diphenylterazolium bromide(MTT),cell apoptosis was observed by Hoechst 33258 taining,and the cell apoptosis rate was detected by AnnexinV-FITC/PI double staining while the content of ceramide(C2) in HSCs treated with artesunate was evaluated by HPLC-FLD. The means were compared using ANOVA and the two samples were compared using independent sample t test. Results:Different concentrations of artesunate and ceramide on hepatic stellate cells were significantly reduced in a dose-response and time-effect relationship(P0.01),artesunate and ceramide could induce apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells and artesunate could increase the content of ceramide in the cell culture supernatant. Conclusion:Artesunate could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells through upregulating ceramide.