Objective: To observe theexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the livers of rats with hepatic fibrosis

and the effects of total flavone from Litchi chinensis Sonn (TFL) on rats. Method: The rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of DMN(dimethylnitrosamine). TFL was orally given at a dose of 100

200 mg·kg-1·d-1. Colchicine was used as a positive control. After 6 weeks

all rats were sacrificed and their left liver lobes were examined histopathologically. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by HE and Masson straining; serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were detected by an biochemical analytical tool in the laboratory test department of our hospital. The expression of MMP-2 in liver tissue was assessed by S-P immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies against MMP-2. Result: Serum levels of ALT nad AST were significantly lower in the TFL group and the colchicine group than that in the fibrosis model group (all P<0.05). The degree of hepatic fibrosis in the TFL group was less severe compared with those of the fibrosis model. The expression levels of MMP-2 in the TFL group and colchicine group were lower than in that the liver fibrosis model group (P<0.05). Conclusion: TEL can improve the degree of fibrosis

the mechanism possibly involve the inhibition of the expression of MMP-2.