OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effect of danshensu on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling in activated rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and explore the mechanisms of danshensu for inhibiting hepatic fibrosis.

METHODSMTT colorimetric assay was used to detect the proliferation of rat HSCs treated with danshensu, and the apoptosis of the cells was analyzed with Annexin- V-FITC/PI and AO/EB staining. The expressions of P-IkappaB-alpha, NF-kappaBP65 and JNK in HSCs stimulated by IL-1beta with subsequent danshensu treatment were observed by Western blotting. Type III collagen in the medium of HSCs was detected by ELISA and immunocytochemistry.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSDanshensu inhibited the activation and proliferation of HSCs, and increased the apoptotic rate of HSCs and reduced the synthesis and secretion of type III collagen. Danshensu showed obvious inhibitory effect on JNK and P-IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and NF-kappaBP65 expression in HSCs stimulated by IL-1beta. The mechanism of the actions of dansgensu may be mediated by inhibition of JNK and NF-kappaB signal transduction.