Objective: To observe the effects of Huoxue Jiangzhi Baogan decoction (HJBD) on the mRNA and protein expression levels of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) in liver tissues of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

and explore its possible mechanisms of prevention and treatment for NAFLD. Method: Totally 60 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group

model group

HJBD high dose group

mid dose group

and low dose group(6.84

13.68

27.36 g·kg-1)

as well as Qianggan tablets group(0.067 g·kg-1). All other groups except the normal group were given with high-fat diet for 8 weeks

and then the rats were either treated with low

middle or high doses of HJBD and Qianggan tablets through gastric gavage for 10 weeks. Fast serum samples were obtained for lipid profile. Liver histopathogy was performed on HE slides

and the expressions levels of MTP mRNA and protein in liver tissues were assayed by Real-time PCR. Result: Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR results showed that

compared with the normal group

MTP expression was decreased in model group

with statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the expression levels of MTP were increased in various dose groups of HJBD and Qianggan tablets group

with statistically significant difference (P<0.01

P<0.05)

especially in high dose group. Blood lipids metabolic disorder and liver steatosis were also improved to varying degrees in the treatment groups as compared with the model group. Conclusion: HJBD has a good therapeutic effect for NAFLD rats induced by high-fat diet

and we speculate that MTP mRNA may be its effective targets.