[The role of hepatic stellate cells SSeCKS expression in liver fibrosis].

Objective: To investigate the change and effect of SSeCKS (src suppressed c kinase substrates) in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Methods: HSCs were isolated from normal rats, the change of SSeCKS mRNA expression on HSCs culture in vitro was determined using real-time PCR, protein level was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence methods. A rat model of liver fibrosis was established. The expression and location of SSeCKS and alpha-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin) in liver tissues were detected by immunofluorescence methods.

Results: SSeCKS mRNA expression was low in freshly isolated HSCs cell and the expression increased in activated HSCs in vitro. In liver fibrosis tissue, the number of SSeCKS-positive cells was increased and these cells were distributed along the sinusoids which also contained alpha-SMA positive cells.

Conclusion: The expression of SSeCKS was increased in activated HSCs in vitro. Therefore, SSeCKS may be involved in the liver inflammation and fibrosis.