Emodin on hepatic fibrosis in rats

Objective To investigate effect of emodin on hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods The rat hepatic fibrosis model was induced by the subcutaneous inje ction of 40% CCl4 (twice a week for 6 weeks) dissolved in olive oil. The em odin-treated rats were treated with low-dose, mediate-dose and high-dose em odin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight, once a day for 42 days) dissolved in 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose ( CMC), except receiving CCl4. Control group received only olive oil and 0.5% CMC. Liver functions were determined by standard procedure. Serum hyaluronic acid and laminin were determined b y radioimmunoassay. Liver hydroxyprolines were determined. Histopathologica l changes were examined by optical microscopy. Results Compared with model group, the emodin-treated rats showed (1) liver functions were improved, alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphata se (AKP) were obviously reduced, and total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) w ere significantly increased; (2) serum hyaluronic acid and laminin were mar kedly reduced; (3) liver hydroxyproline was significantly decreased; (4) th e degrees of fibrosis were reduced. The changes of parameters mentioned abo ve were significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion Emodin has effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats. The hepatoprotect ive of emodin may be one of mechanisms for liver fibrosis.