Objective: To study the regulation effect of Ganle granules(GLG) on transforming growth factor(TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathways in rats with hepatic fibrosis

and to explore its possible mechanisms for prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Method: The SD rats were randomly divided into normal group

model group

GLG (1.5

3.0

6.0 g·kg-1) groups and colchicine (Col

0.1 mg·kg-1) group. The hepatic fibrosis rat models were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl4(50%) twice each week for 12 weeks continuously. Then different doses of GLG (1.5

3.0

6.0 g·kg-1) and colchicines (0.1 g·kg-1) were administrated via gavage once a day for 6 weeks from week 7 after modeling. 8 h after the last administration

rats were sacrificed

and their liver samples were taken to observe the pathological and histological degree of liver fibrosis by HE and Masson. Moreover

the protein expression levels of CollagenⅠ

TGF-β1 and Smad2 or TβRⅠ in the liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of CollagenⅠ

Smad2

and TβRⅠin liver tissues were detected by the real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Result: As compared with the normal group

the pathological and histological degree of liver fibrosis

as well as protein and mRNA expression levels of Collagen I

TGF-β1

Smad2

and TβR I in model group were obviously increased in model group (P<0.01). As compared with model group

GLG middle and high doses not only obviously improved histopathological changes

but also effectively reduced the protein and/or mRNA expression levels of Collagen I

TGF-β1

Smad2

and TβR I (P<0.05

P<0.01). Conclusion: GLG has protective effect on liver fibrosis rats and its mechanism may be related to regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathways

inhibiting HSC activation

and reducing excessive extracellular matrix deposition.