Tetrandrine stimulates the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and ameliorates development of fibrosis in a thioacetamide rat model

Figure 1 Caspase activity analysis. The caspase activity of normal cells was set at 100% and relative changes in activity are shown in association with drug doses. Values represent the results of three separate experiments. ^bP < 0.001, vs normal control values.

Figure 2 Liver hydroxyproline (A); HA (B) and LN (C) content of the TAA rats treated with tetrandrine. T-5: treated with 5 mg/kg tetrandrine; T-10: treated with 10 mg/kg tetrandrine; T-20: treated with 20 mg/kg tetrandrin; IFN: treated with interferon-г 5 × 10⁴ U. Results represent the mean ± SD. ^aP < 0.05; ^bP < 0.01; ^dP < 0.001, vs control group.

Figure 3 Light microscopic appearance (HE × 100) of fibrotic rat liver induced by TAA treated with tetrandrine for 4 wk. A: normal group; B: control group; C: TAA group with tetrandrine (5 mg/kg); D: TAA group with tetrandrine (10 mg/kg); E: TAA group with tetrandrine (20 mg/kg); F: TAA group with interferon-г (5 × 10⁴ U).

Figure 4 Light microscopical appearance (sirius red staining) of fibrotic rat liver induced by TAA treated with tetrandrine for 4 wk. Sirius red stains most hepatic collagens. A: normal group; B: control group; C: TAA group with tetrandrine (5 mg/kg); D: TAA group with tetrandrine (10 mg/kg); E: TAA group with tetrandrine (20 mg/kg); F: TAA group with interferon-г (5 × 10⁴ U).

Figure 5 Representative liver section showing reaction of alpha-smooth muscle cell like actin (α-SMA) with mouse anti-α-SMA monoclonal antibody. α-SMA immunoreactivity (arrows) was seen in stellate cells in the fibrotic area. A: normal group; B: control group; C: TAA group with tetrandrine (5 mg/kg); D: TAA group with tetrandrine (10 mg/kg); E: TAA group with tetrandrine (20 mg/kg); F: TAA group with interferon-г (5 × 10⁴ U).