Cryptotanshinone induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress

Figure 5 Cryptotanshinone protects the liver against carbon tetrachloride-induced injury and inflammation. Cryptotanshinone (CPT) alleviates hepatic fibrotic injury in mice. Mice were injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) for 8 wk to induce liver fibrosis. During weeks 5 through 8, mice in the treatment groups were given CPT (40 mg/kg) or salubrinal (1 mg/kg). A: CPT treatment protocol in the CCL₄-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model; B: Western blot analysis of α-SMA and collagen I in the liver tissue; C: Determination of serum alanine aminotransferase levels; D: Determination of serum aspartate aminotransferase levels; E: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurement of IL-6 levels in the serum; F: ELISA measurement of IL-10 levels in the serum; G: Liver sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson reagents, and Sirius red. Scale baes: 100 μm. ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01, ^cP < 0.001 compared with the CCL₄ group. CPT: Cryptotanshinone; CCL₄: Carbon tetrachloride.