Objective: To investigate the effects of Fuzheng Huayu recipe(FZHY recipe) on collagen Ⅳ expression and matrixmetalloproteinases-2(MMP-2) activity

explore the mechanisms of the recipe action against liver fibrosis.Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine(DMN).The rats in FZHY group were administered with FZHY recipe ig for 4 weeks after the model was established.Serum ALT

AST activities

total bilirubin and Alb levels were determined using commercial kits;serum hepatic inflammation and collagen deposition were evaluated with HE staining and Sirius-red staining respectively;the contents of hepatic hydroxyproline(Hyp) were measured by Jamall's method.expression of collagen Ⅳ in liver tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry;the protein expressions of collagen Ⅳ

MMP-2

MMP-9 and TIMP-2 were analyzed by Western blotting;and the activities of MMP-2/9 were analyzed by gelatin zymography.Results:Abnormal liver function

obvious hepatic inflammation

excess collagen deposition

high protein expressions of collagen Ⅳ and TIMP-2

and increased activities of MMP-2 were observed in model group

compared with those in normal group.Compared to model group

FZHY recipe significantly alleviated liver inflammation and the excess collagen deposition;Also it significantly down-regulated protein expression of collagen Ⅳ and TIMP-2

and inhibited the activity of MMP-2.Conclusion: The mechanisms of FZHY recipe action against liver fibrosis were related to inhibiting the excessive deposition of collagen Ⅳ and down-regulating MMP-2 activity in liver tissue.