Gexia-Zhuyu Decoction Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice Partly via Liver Angiogenesis Mediated by Myeloid Cells

Med Sci Monit. 2019 Apr 17:25:2835-2844. doi: 10.12659/MSM.913481.

Abstract

BACKGROUND This study aims to demonstrate the underlying correlation between the resolution of liver fibrosis induced by Gexia-Zhuyu decoction (GZD) treatment and myeloid cell-mediated angiogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS A liver fibrosis mouse model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intervention was employed in this study. Dynamics of blood liver function parameters were followed. The liver pathology was detected by Sirius Red and Masson staining. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1/2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression levels were measured. Bone marrow chimera mice were generated by transfer of bone morrow cells from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-knockin mice into irradiated wild-type mice, and were used it to visualize the role of myeloid cells on the fibrosis resolution induced by GZD treatment. RESULTS The result of Sirius Red and Masson staining and the dynamics of blood liver function parameters showed that 5 weeks of GZD treatment attenuated the severity of liver fibrosis with continual CCl4 administration. GZD treatment promoted the expression of MMP2/9 and repressed the heightened level of TIMP-1/2 in the recovery phase. More notably, the increased VEGF-A and augmented endothelial progenitor cells were observed in the liver and blood in mice that received GZD, and contributed to the remodeling of hepatic vascular though the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Then, chimera mice with GFP-positive bone marrow cells were used to show angiogenesis driven by GZD-induced myeloid cell motivation. We found that GZD facilitated myeloid cells binding to the vascular CXCR4 and induced the resolution of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that activation of myeloid cells induced by GZD administration accelerates the functional angiogenesis, which benefits the resolution of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Carbon Tetrachloride / pharmacology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Liver / blood supply*
  • Liver / chemistry
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / chemically induced
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / analysis
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / analysis
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional / methods
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Myeloid Cells / drug effects
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / analysis
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / metabolism
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / analysis
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / analysis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Timp1 protein, mouse
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2
  • Carbon Tetrachloride
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 2
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9