Authors : Zhe Qin, Jianxi Li , Zhiqiang Yang , Kai Zhang , Jinyan Zhang , Jiaren Meng , Long Wang and Lei Wang
Abstract: This study aims to explore the antagonistic function of Fermentation Astragalus Polysaccharides (FAPS) on experimental hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 and its possible mechanism. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection with carbon tetrachloride twice weekly for 8 weeks in Sprague-Dawley rats. Different does Fermentation Astragalus Polysaccharides (FAPS) (50, 100 and 150 mg/(kg/day)) and colchicines (50 mg/(kg/day)) were administered intragastrically daily to carbon tetrachloride-treated rats. After the experiment, rats from all the groups were weighed and the following parameters were measured: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Laminin (LN), IV type of Collagen (CIV) and ammonia terminal Procollagen β peptide (PCIII) in their sera and of Total Antioxidant Capacity (T-AOC), Glutathione Peroxdase (GSH-Px), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Hydroxylproline (Hyp) in homogenate in the animal livers. Additionally, partial liver tissues were examined histopathologically as well as by Hemotoxylin and Eosin (H and E) and Masson chromoscopy. Results showed that compared with the control group, rats from the model group had a significant decrease in body weight, a significant rise in ALT, AST and ALP levels in the serum and also a remarkable lift of HA, LN, CIV and PCIII the four indicators of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, T-AOC, GST and GSH-Px enzyme activities were reduced significantly in model rats while concentrations of MDA, Hyp and reduced GSH were raised substantially (p<0.01). Histopathological examination, Hemotoxylin and Eosin (H and E) and masson chromoscopy revealed an evident change in hepatic fibrosis in the livers of the model group. Compared with the model group, animals treated with FAPS all had a greater weight, a lower activity of ALT, AST and ALP in the sera, lower levels of HA, LN, CIV and ammonia terminal PCIII as well as less Hyp. In addition, FAPS significantly increased the reduced MDA, GSH-Px and GST values, elevated Total Antioxidant Capacity (T-AOC) and brought the abnormally high reduced GSH back to a normal level. Such effects on hepatic fibrosis in animals from the FAPSH group all turned out stronger than those of Col group animals (p<0.05). Thus, the data indicates that FAPS can produce an apparent antagonism to hepatic fibrosis and the mechanism by which it does this may be associated with generation of oxygen free radicals.
Zhe Qin, Jianxi Li , Zhiqiang Yang , Kai Zhang , Jinyan Zhang , Jiaren Meng , Long Wang and Lei Wang , 2012. Effects of Fermentation Astragalus Polysaccharides on Experimental Hepatic Fibrosis. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 1195-1203.