Protective effects of Longhu Rendan on chronic liver injury and fibrosis in mice

Background and aim

Liver fibrosis resulting from persistent liver injury represents a major healthcare problem globally. Traditional Chinese medicine has played an essential role in the treatment of liver fibrosis in recent years. Thus, this study aims to assess the effect of Longhu Rendan (LHRD), a Chinese traditional patent medicine, on liver fibrosis and its potential mechanism.

Methods

The liver fibrosis in mice was induced via the intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for 6 weeks or bile duct ligation for 15 days. Various methods were used to judge the therapeutic effect of LHRD.

Results

LHRD significantly suppressed the activity of serum index of abnormal liver function, liver cell apoptosis, and necrosis, attenuating liver injury. Moreover, LHRD treatment alleviated liver fibrotic features, such as the reduction of collagen deposition and hepatic stellate cell activation as well as profibrotic gene expression. Mechanistically, LHRD treatment inhibited nuclear transcription factor-kappa B signaling and inflammatory gene expression and diminished the production of reactive oxygen species and 4-hydroxynonenal, along with the downregulation of NADPH oxidase 4.

Conclusions

Overall, the present study demonstrates that LHRD ameliorates liver injury and fibrosis via the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress in mice, indicating that LHRD is a potential medicine for the treatment of liver fibrosis.