Therapeutic effect of Danggui Buxue decoction and its separated recipes on liver fibrosis and angiogenesis and its mechanism

Objective To observe the pharmacodynamic characteristics of Danggui Buxue decoction (containing Angelica sinensis) and its separated recipes in treating liver fibrosis and angiogenesis.Methods Forty- eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:normal group, model group, Danggui Buxue decoction group, Astragalus membranaceus group, Angelica sinensis group, and sorafenib control group.In all groups except normal group, a rat model of liver fibrosis was established using carbon tetrachloride combined with high- fat and low-protein diet.Liver tissue inflammation was observed by HE staining, while collagen deposition by Sirius red staining.Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , and albumin (Alb) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide (NO) content, and nitricoxide synthase (NOS) activity in liver tissue were determined by a test kit.The hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver tissue was determined by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis.Sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae were observed by scanning electron microscope, and liver capillaries by synchrotron radiation X- ray two- dimensional imaging.Comparisons between groups were made by one- way analysis of variance;the least significant difference test was used when variances were equal, and the Tamhane's T2 test was used when variances were unequal.Results The Danggui Buxue decoction group, Astragalus membranaceus group, and Angelica sinensis group had significantly increased serum Alb levels (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased serum AST levels (P < 0.05) ;the Danggui Buxue decoction group and Astragalus membranaceus group had significantly decreased serum ALT levels (P < 0.05) .All treatment groups had significantly decreased liver hydroxyproline content (P < 0.05) .In the liver tissues of all treatment groups, the vascular texture was reduced, and the number of sinusoidal endothelial fenestrae was increased.The Danggui Buxue decoction group, Astragalus membranaceus group, and Angelica sinensis group had significantly increased SOD activity (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased NOS activity (P < 0.05) ;the Astragalus membranaceus group had significantly decreased liver MDA content (P < 0.05) ;the Danggui Buxue decoction group and Astragalus membranaceus group had significantly decreased liver NO content (P < 0.05) .Conclusion Danggui Buxue decoction and its separated recipes have good efficacy in treating liver fibrosis and angiogenesis.The mechanism may involve protecting liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and reducing lipid peroxidation.Astragalus membranaceus is superior to Angelica sinensis in reducing inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and NO release.