Regulation of decoction shugan bushen on testosterone and adrenocortiotropin in rats with hepatic fibrosis

Abstract

AIM: To observe the regulating effect of decoction shugan bushen (SGBS) on testosterone (Te) and adrenocortiotropin (ACTH).

METHODS: Fifty wistar male rats divided into four groups randomly, that is, normal group, hepatic fibrosis group, and two Chinese herb medicine treatment groups. The model of toxic hepatic fibrosis was induced by 0.5% dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). The decoction SGBS is composed of such herbs as bupleurum Root. Dodder Seed, curcuma rood indianmulberry etc. According to the different doses of the drugs, rats are divided into two groups in the treatment groups. The Chinese herb medicine treatment begins in a week after the second celiac injection of DMN, lastiong 8 wk. The rats of normal group and hepatic fibrosis group are fed with distilled water once a day. After 11 wk of Chinese herb medicine treatment, the Te and ACTH were tested insera of rats, and the livers were dissected for the pathology examination.

RESULTS: The results of pathology examination in rat livers of each group show that the hepatocytes of the normal group have normal array, no degeneration and fibrosis. Those in the pathology group have obvious degenerative necrosis and hepatic fibrosis, and in some cases show the evidence of cirrosis. The results in treatment groups are essentially similar to those of normal group. Variance analysis of least significant difference (LSD) method is employed to compare the hormone level between groups. The serum levels of Te and ACTH in the normal group are 75.30 ± 45.25 ng/dL and 141.02 ± 68.70 ng/L. The levels in hepatic fibrosis group are obviously lower than those of normal group, as 19.77 ± 16.92 ng/dL and 92.85 ± 27.24 ng/L, respectivite and with statistically different (P < 0.01). But that levels in the two treatment groups are respectively 63.29 ± 26.09 ng/dL 135.48 ± 36.89 ng/L and 59.77 ± 4.64 ng/dL, 130.8 ± 17.35 ng/L, which are obviously higher than those of pathology group and approxi male to those of normal group (P > 0.05). Two different doses make no obvious difference between the treatment groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: SGBS can correct the hormone disturbance and shows the effect of anti-hepatic fibrosis.

Key Words: Liver cirrhosis; Shugan bushen; Testolactone; Adrenocorticotropic hormone dimethylnitrosamine; Rats