Experimental study of effect of Ganyanping on fibrosis in rat livers

To observe the effects of Ganyanping on CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

The rats were separated randomly into five groups. Groups A to group D, each consisting of 15 rats, were for different tests, while 8 rats were used as normal controls (N). For group D, CCl(4) was injected subcutaneously, at a dosage of 3 ml/kg for 9 weeks. For group A, Ganyanping was administered via gastric tube at a dosage of 10 ml/kg. For group B, the treatment with Ganyanping was started 4 weeks after CCl(4) administration. In group C, Ganyanping was administered 8 weeks after the intoxication, and treatment lasted for 4 weeks. Liver tissues were fixed in 10 % formalin and embedded in paraffin. Pathologic changes, particularly fibrosis, were evaluated on the HE and V-G-stained sections. Ten middle-power fields were randomly selected for assessment of collagen deposition.

Loss of normal hepatic architecture, some with pseudo-lobule formation, was observed in group D, while hepatocytes steatosis and fibrosis were less pronounced in the animals treated with Ganyanping. Pseudo-lobule formation was not evident in the latter groups. The total collagen area and ratio were 840.23+/-81.65 and 7.0+/-0.9, respectively in group D, the ratio being reduced greatly in the Ganyanping-treated groups (148.73+/-45.89 and 1.16+/-0.33, respectively). The activities of MAO and ACP were elevated and that of SDH in group D decreased in the hepatic tissue as compared to the control group. The treatment with Ganyanping abrogated these enzymatic changes.

Our data approved that Ganyanping could improve the microcirculation in the liver, reduce oxygen-derived free radicals, and enhance the cellular metabolism and immune function, all resulting in an anti-fibrotic effect. Hence, Ganyanping can protect the liver from fibrosis. It may be a safe and effective preparation for patient with fibrosis.