Downregulation effects of beta-elemene on the levels of plasma endotoxin, serum TNF-alpha, and hepatic CD14 expression in rats with liver fibrosis.

It has been demonstrated that β-elemene could protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis in our laboratory work, and the aim of this paper is to reveal the protective mechanisms of β-elemene. The hepatic fibrosis experimental model was induced by the hypodermical injection of CCl(4) in Wistar male rats. β-elemene was intraperitoneally administered into rats for 8 weeks (0.1 mL/100 g bodyweight per day), and plasma endotoxin content was assayed by biochemistry. The serum TNF-α level was detected using radioactive immunity. CD14 expression in rat livers was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that β-elemene can downregulate the levels of plasma endotoxins, serum TNF-α, and hepatic CD14 expression in rats with liver fibrosis. β-elemene plays an important role in downregulating the lipopolysaccharide signal transduction pathway, a significant pathway in hepatic fibrosis development.