WITHDRAWN: The extract of a Traditional Chinese Medicine alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis of Rats by inhibiting NF-κB activation and upregulating BAMBI in Hepatic Stellate Cells

Abstract

Background DaHuangZheChong pill (DHZCP) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been written into the guideline for the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis in China. The study was aim to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects and the potential mechanisms of DHZCP revolving around the TGF-β pseudo receptor, bone morphogenic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Materials and Methods Wistar rats were given with CCL4 for four weeks to establish hepatic fibrosis model. Then the rats were given normal saline or DHZCP decoction six weeks. the pathology of liver tissue was analyzed, the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), BAMBI, and NF-κB were detected. In vitro, the associated signal molecules about LPS-activated NF-κB were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry, western blot, or electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in cultured HSC-T6 cells . Results The DHZCP showed significant effects on improving fibrosis stage of liver tissue and inhibiting primary HSCs activation. The protein expression of TLR4/MyD88 was lower (P was both < 0.05), BAMBI was higher in DHZCP group than model control (MC) group (P < 0.05) in primary HSCs. In HSC-T6 cells, the activity of NF-κB was lower (P < 0.001), and BAMBI was higher (P < 0.05) in DHZCP added LPS group than in LPS group. Conclusion These results suggested that DHZCP alleviates hepatic fibrosis that was maybe associated with inhibiting activation of NF-κB induced by LPS, and upregulating BAMBI expression in HSCs.