The Effects of Compound Traditional Chinese Medicine Decoction on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Its Inhibitor of Hepatic Fibrosis Rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) of hepatic fibrosis rats and discuss its mechanisms.Methods100 male SD rats were divided into 7 groups randomly:a normal group and six hepatic fibrotic groups. The rat models of hepatic fibrosis were induced by intraperitional injection of carbon tetrachloride. The fibrotic groups were treated with different kinds of compound traditional Chinese medicine except one group as a control group. Compound traditional Chinese medicine decoctions composed of low, middle, high dose curcumin were given to the fibrotic rats. Shosaikoto compound treatment group and Fufangbiejiaruangan tablets treatment group were made as positive groups. All rats were sacrificed at the same time after 12 weeks. The levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were detected in serum and liver tissue by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining respectively, and pathologic appearence were observed on liver tissue with HE staining.ResultsCompared with the fibrotic group [(114.92±127.06)μg/L], serum levels of MMP-1 in groups of compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction increased, especially in the low-dose curcumin group [(418.73±159.11)μg/L](P<0.05). Serum levels of TIMP-1 in groups of compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction decreased compared with that of the fibrotic group [(25.79±0.88)μg/L], especially the low-dose curcumin group[(15.91±2.76)μg/L] (P<0.01). Compared with the fibrotic group, the level of MMP-1 increased and TIMP-1 decreased significantly in liver tissues of groups of compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction(P<0.01). The fibrotic pathologic appearence of liver tissues was improved obviously in groups of compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction.Conclusions1. Compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction could promote the expression of MMP-1 and inhibit the expression of TIMP-1 in serum and liver tissues of hepatic fibrosis rats.2.Compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction could improve the fibrotic pathologic appearence of liver tissues of hepatic fibrosis rats, therefore, it may have a potential therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis.3. The mechanisms of anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of the compound traditional Chinese medicine decoction may be related to increasing the expression of MMP-1 and inhibiting the expression of TIMP-1.