The
rennin-
angiotensin system (RAS) is crucial in hepatic
fibrosis development, and
therapies targeting this system may be a promising treatment for hepatic
fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of
swertiamarin (Swe), an
ethanol extract of Gentiana manshurica Kitag, on hepatic
fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms through regulating RAS. Primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated and treated with
angiotensin II (Ang II) with or without Swe and
losartan. The proliferation and activation of HSCs were measured. Rat hepatic
fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal
dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) injection for 4 weeks. Rats were treated with Swe or
losartan from the third week until the end of the experiment.
Hydroxyproline content in liver tissue was assayed with Jamall's method, and liver
collagen deposition was visualized using Sirius red staining. RAS components were analyzed by Western blot, immunofluorescent staining, and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that Swe significantly inhibited Ang II-induced HSC proliferation and activation. Swe also significantly suppressed DMN-induced α-smooth muscle actin production in rat livers and improved liver function. Swe partially inhibited Ang II-induced
angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) up-regulation and suppressed Ang II-induced
extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-jun phosphorylation in HSCs. In the DMN-treated rats, Swe treatment significantly inhibited the plasma Ang II levels. DMN-induced AT1R up-regulation, and phosphorylation of ERK and c-jun in rat liver were also inhibited by Swe. In conclusion, Swe may attenuate hepatic
fibrosis through inhibiting HSC activation by regulating the RAS.