Effect of All-trans Retinoic Acid on Liver Fibrosis Induced by Common Bile Duct Ligation in Rats
10.1007/s11596-008-0514-x
- Author:
WANG HUI
1
;
DAN ZILI
;
JIANG HAIYAN
Author Information
1. Department of Gastroenterology, Pu 'ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Keywords:
liver fibrosis;
all-trans retinoic acid;
COL Ⅰ;
MMP2;
MMP13;
TIMP-1;
CTGF;
TGF-β1
- From:
Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences)
2008;28(5):553-557
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in rats. Fifty-three female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operation group (group J, 5 animals) and groups A, B, C and D (12 animals in each group). The rats in groups A, B, C and D were subjected to CBDL to induce liver fibrosis, while those in group J to sham operation. From the 3rd week the rats in groups B, C and D respectively received daily administration of ATRA via gastric tube at three different doses [0.1, 1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)]. Animals were sacrificed at 6th week. Rats' liver tissues were observed for pathologic changes under a light microscope. The protein levels of type Ⅰ collagen (COL Ⅰ), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP13 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemical techniques. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA in liver tissues were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that loss of normal hepatic architecture and formation of obvious fibrosis were observed in group A, while ATRA treatment for 4 weeks notably alleviated the pathological changes of hepatocytes. The expression of COL Ⅰ and TIMP-1 proteins in group A was increased, while decreased in ATRA-treated CBDL groups (P<0.05). ATRA (1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg BW) reduced the expression levels of COL Ⅰprotein more greatly than that of 0.1 mg/kg BW (P<0.05). ATRA treatment increased the protein levels of MMP2 and MMP13. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA in group A were increased. In comparison with group A, the mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF in ATRA-treated CBDL groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). It was concluded that ATRA could inhibit CBDL-induced liver fibrosis in rats by suppressing the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF so as to diminish the inhibition of TIMP-1 on MMP2 and MMP13 and increase the activity of MMP2 and MMP13.
