Objective: To study the effect of Hugan tablets on chronic hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) in rat models of yin-deficiency syndrome of liver. Method: Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into five groups:dissolvent control group(n=10)

model group(n=8)

Yiguanjian decoction group(equivalent to crude drugs 6.75 g·kg-1

n=8)

Hugan tablets high-dose group(0.81 g·kg-1

n=8) and low-dose group(0.27 g·kg-1

n=8). Except the dissolvent group

all the other groups were injected with 40%CCl4 peanut oil solution

twice per week and 3 mL·kg-1 each time

for 5 weeks

but one time per week in week 6.In week 5 and week 6

the rats were also orally taking interior warming drugs(crude drugs 18 g·kg-1)once per day. After modeling for 6 weeks

rat models of yin-deficiency syndrome of liver with chronic hepatic injury was induced.From week 6

the rates received corresponding drug lavage treatment

once a day and for 2 to 8 consecutive weeks. Rats were sacrificed after the last administration

and the serum and liver tissue were taken. Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)

aldosterone(ALD)

albumin(ALB)

hydroxyproline(Hyp) in liver tissues

malondialdehyde(MDA)

and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in liver tissues were determined. Pathological change of liver was determined and observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein expression of reduced from of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH) oxidase 2(NOX2) in liver was analyzed by westernblot. Result: Compared to dissolvent group

the model group increased significantly the serum ALT

ALD as well as Hyp in liver tissues

significantly increased MDA(P<0.01)

and significantly reduced the level of serum ALB and SOD in liver tissues(P<0.01). Compared to model group

the level of serum ALT

MDA and Hyp in liver tissue in Hugan tablets high-dose and low-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.01

P<0.05). Hugantablets high-dose group could significantly reduce ALD level(P<0.05)

increase the level of ALB(P<0.05) and hepatic SOD activity(P<0.05)

and reduce the protein expression of NOX2 in liver tissue(P<0.05). The pathological results showed that Hugan tablets high and low dose groups could significantly reduce chronic liver injury and to a certain extent reduce the level of fibrosis. Conclusion: Hugan tablets can protect liver and lower transaminase

showing significant protective effect on chronic liver injury.