[Effects of corydyceps polysaccharide on liver fibrosis induced by DMN in rats].

Objective: To study the mechanism of Corydyceps polysaccharide (CP) actions against liver fibrosis.

Method: SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, DMN-induced liver fibrosis model group and CP treated group. Model group and CP group were injected intraperitonealy with 0.

[Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats].

Objective: To study the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Methods: SD rats were divided into normal control group, untreated group and Cordyceps sinensis-treated group. The rats in each group were fed with corresponding drug for 4 weeks.

Dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, TIMPs, during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol in rats.

Aim: To determine the dynamic changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the endogenous tissue inhibitors of MMPs inhibitors (TIMPs) during hepatic fibrosis induced by alcohol.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal, 4 d, 2 wk, 4 wk, 9 wk and 11 wk groups, and the model rats were fed with a mixture of alcohol by gastric infusion at the designed time, respectively, then decollated and their livers were harvested for the examination of MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by immunohistochemistry, zymograghy and Western blotting, respectively.

Results: Normal rats had moderate expression of MMP-2, which was decreased in the model rats except in the 11 wk group, where MMP-2 expression slightly increased.

Dynamic changes of capillarization and peri-sinusoid fibrosis in alcoholic liver diseases.

Aim: To investigate the dynamic changes of capillarization and peri-sinusoid fibrosis in an alcoholic liver disease model induced by a new method.

Methods: Male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, namely normal, 4 d, 2 w, 4 w, 9 w and 11 w groups. The animals were fed with a mixture of alcohol for designated days and then decollated, and their livers were harvested to examine the pathological changes of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, sinusoid, peri-sinusoid.

[The role of hepatic sinusoid capillarization during the formation of portal hypertension in fibrotic rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine].

Objectives: To study the role of hepatic sinusoid capillarization during the formation of portal hypertension in fibrotic rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN).

Methods: Hepatic fibrotic rats were induced by administration of DMN intraperitoneally three times a week for 4 weeks. The rats were harvested on day 2 and weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 24.