[Prophylactic effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and its relationship with activated hepatic stellate cells].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the prophylactic effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and the number, location, apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the livers and to discuss the relationship between the prophylactic effects and activated HSC.


METHODS
A rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride. Curcumin doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg per 100 gram per 100g of body weight were given to three groups of the model rats. No curcumin was given to one group of the model rats and it served as the control. After eight weeks, all rats were sacrificed and their left liver lobes were examined histopathologically with H.E and Masson stainings. Grades of hepatic fibrosis were evaluated according to the SSS system. Activated HSC was detected by the alpha-SMA immunohistochemistry staining. HSC apoptosis was detected by double-stainings of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and desmin immunohistochemistry staining.


RESULTS
Degrees (SSS system scores) of hepatic fibrosis in the curcumin groups were all less severe in comparison with those of the control group. Activated HSCs in the livers of the rats of the control group increased significantly compared with that of the treatment groups, and also fewer apoptotic HSCs were detected in the control group. On the contrary, fewer activated HSCs and more apoptotic HSCs were detected in the curcumin groups compared with those of the control group. The degrees of the effects were curcumin dose-dependent.


CONCLUSIONS
Curcumin can prevent hepatic fibrosis. It can inhibit activation and proliferation of HSCs and induce HSCs apoptosis, which may be the mechanism(s) contributing to the prophylactic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis.
He
Ya-jun
YJ
Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University Medical Collage, Guangzhou 510220, China.
Shu
Jian-chang
JC
Lü
Xia
X
Fang
Li
L
Sheng
Yan
Y
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning; D003474:Curcumin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D003474:Curcumin