Ba-Qi-Rougan formula alleviates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via the MSMP/CCR2/PI3K pathway

作者：Yan Xue, Wanchun Zhu, Fengjie Qiao, Yilan Yang, Jiaohao Qiu, Chen Zou, Yating Gao, Yating Gao, Xin Zhang, Man Li, Zhi Shang, Yueqiu Gao, Yueqiu Gao, Lingying Huang · 发表于：Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1016/j.jep.2024.118169 · 被引用次数：8 · 研究领域：Liver physiology and pathology、Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment、Liver Diseases and Immunity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Ba-Qi-Rougan formula (BQRGF) is a traditional and effective compound prescription from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF). AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BQRGF on HF and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: )-induced HF received BQRGF at three doses (3.87, 7.74, and 15.48 g/kg per day). We examined serum and liver biochemical indicators and liver histology to assess the therapeutic impact. Primary mouse cells were isolated and utilized for experimental analysis. MSMP expression levels were examined in vitro and in vivo experimental models, including human and mouse tissue. Furthermore, lentivirus and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections were employed to manipulate microseminoprotein (MSMP) expression in LO2 cells (human normal liver cells). These manipulated LO2 cells were then co-cultured with LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through the modulation of MSMP expression in co-cultured cells, administering recombinant MSMP (rMSMP) with or without BQRGF-medicated serum, and using specific pathway inhibitors or agonists in LX2 cells, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: A total of 48 compounds were identified from BQRGF, with 12 compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream and 9 compounds being absorbed into the liver. Four weeks of BQRGF treatment in the HF mouse model led to significant improvements in bioc...