Objective: To explore the effect of Dachengqi tang on liver apoptosis induced Fas-associated death domain (FADD) in acute hepatic failure rats. Method: Forty Wistar rats were randomLy divided into 4 groups:normal group(group A)

model group(group B)

treatment group of Dachengqi tang at low dose(group C)

treatment group at high dose(group D).There were 10 rats in every group. The level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) was measured

Hepatic FADD

tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1(TNFR1) and Caspase-8 activities were examined

liver cell apoptosis was observed.Liver pathology was observed. Result: Thioacetamide (TAA) could induce acute hepatic failure

with extensive liver apoptosis

the expression of FADD

TNFR1 and Caspase-8 were significantly increased in TAA model group.Compared with group B.the percentage of liver cell apoptosis was decreased in C

D groups

the pathology change of liver was decreased in C

D groups

the level of TNF-α was decreased in C

D groups.The expression of FADD

TNFR1 and Caspase-8 were decreased in C

D groups. Conclusion: Dachengqi tang can prevent and cure liver apoptosis

it may be related to depress rhe liver apoptosis induced FADD.