Context: One approach to protect against liver fibrosis is the use of herb-derived natural compounds, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA). The antifibrosis effect of HYSA against liver fibrosis has been investigated; however, its mechanisms have not yet been entirely revealed. Objectives: To study the protective effects of HSYA on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) and a high-fat diet (HFD), and to determine the mechanism of action of HSYA. Materials and methods: CCl 4 and HFD were used to mimic liver fibrosis in rats, and serum biochemical indicators were determined. The antifibrosis effects of HSYA were evaluated and its mechanisms were investigated by histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, real-time-PCR, and western blotting. Results: HSYA reduced CCl 4 -and HFD-mediated liver fibrosis and ameliorated serum biochemical indicator, downregulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) (0.31 ± 0.03 protein, 0.59 ± 0.02 mRNA) and transformin growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1) (0.81 ± 0.02 protein, 0.58 ± 0.04 mRNA), and upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPAR-g) (1.57 ± 0.13 protein, 2.48 ± 0.19 mRNA) and matrix metallopeptidases-2 (MMP-2) (2.31 ± 0.16 protein, 2.79 ± 0.22 mRNA) (p50.01, versus model group). These effects were significantly attenuated by PPAR-g antagonist GW9662 via blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Discussion and conclusion: These data demonstrate a novel role for HSYA in inhibiting CCl 4 -and HFD-mediated liver fibrosis, and reveal that PPAR-g and p38 MAPK signaling play pivotal roles in the prevention of liver fibrosis induced by CCl 4 and HFD.
To investigate the threshold effects of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and soil mass water content (MWC) on photosynthetic efficiency parameters of Ziziphus jujuba Mill var. spinosa and to understand the adaptability of Z. jujuba to light and soil moisture variation, we determined optimal MWC and PAR for Z. jujuba which maintained higher net photosynthetic rate (P N ) and water use efficiency (WUE). Using a Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system, we measured light response of P N , transpiration rate (E), WUE, and other gas-exchange parameters of 3-year-old Z. jujuba shrubs in a range of soil moisture conditions. The results showed that the leaf photosynthetic rate and WUE of Z. jujuba had a significant response to MWC and PAR. Given increases in the MWC (7.1-17.6%), the plant's light compensation point decreased and its light saturation point (LSP), apparent quantum yield, and maximum P N increased. When MWC was at 17.6%, the low and high light use efficiency of Z. jujuba was all maximal. P N obviously increased with increasing MWC (9.2-17.6%). However, P N decreased when MWC was too high or low. When PAR ranged from 800 to 1200 mmol m 22 s 21 , P N and WUE were higher and the LSPs of P N and WUE ranged between 706 and 1209 mmol m 22 s
21. These data indicate that Z. jujuba possessed higher adaptability to light conditions. Based on photosynthetic efficiency parameters, the soil moisture availability and productivity of Z. jujuba were classified and evaluated. For Z. jujuba woodland, MWC , 9.2% and MWC . 21.5% resulted in low productivity and medium WUE,.5% of MWC resulted in medium productivity and low WUE, 9.2-11.2% of MWC resulted in medium productivity and medium WUE, and 11.2 -19.8% of MWC resulted in high productivity and high WUE. The optimum high productivity and high WUE of MWC were at 17.6%, and the corresponding optimum PAR was 1209 mmol m 22 s
21.
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