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3483180 
Journal Article 
Hydroxysafflor yellow A protects against chronic carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis 
Zhang, Y; Guo, J; Dong, H; Zhao, X; Zhou, L; Li, X; Liu, J; Niu, Y 
2011 
1 
European Journal of Pharmacology
ISSN: 0014-2999
EISSN: 1879-0712 
660 
2-3 
438-444 
English 
21536026 
Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) was isolated from the dried flower of Carthamus tinctorius L. which was extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cirrhosis. However, the potential protective effect of HSYA in liver fibrosis is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of HSYA in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to biweekly CCl4 injections over 12 weeks, while controls were given isovolumetric injections of olive oil. HSYA was given in a daily dose of 5 mg/kg by means of intraperitoneal concurrent with CCl4. Hepatic fibrosis was quantified by digital analysis of Masson's trichrome stained slides and hydroxyproline content. mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and protein was quantified by western blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CCl4 treatment induced micronodular liver fibrosis with a pronounced deposition of collagen fibers. HSYA significantly reduced liver fibrosis. HSYA down regulates α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen α type I, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 gene expression. This was accompanied by a decreased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and phosphorylation of Smad4. These results indicate that HSYA might be a promising antifibrotic agent in chronic liver disease. 
; Transforming growth factor; Western blotting; Flowers; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Hydroxyproline; Liver diseases; Fibrosis; Muscles; Matrix metalloproteinase; Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases; Olive oil; Smad4 protein; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Collagen; Gene expression; Carbon; Phosphorylation; Polymerase chain reaction; Actin; Olea; Carthamus tinctorius/