Effects of Volatile Oils of RADIX CURCUMAE on the Activity and Secretion of Hepatic Stellate Cells.

[Objective] To observe the effects of volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE on the activity and secretion of hepatic stellate cells. [Methods] HSC-LX₂ of hepatic fibrosis was incubated by the volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE for 48 h. The proliferation inhibition rate of cells was detected by Methylthiazol Tetraztlium (MTT) Colorimetry; DNA content ad cell apoptosis at different cell cycles were detected by flow cytometry ( PI staining) . The impacts on secretion functions of collagens type I ad III, MMP-1 ad MMP-13 were observed by immunohistochemistry. [Results] Volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE at low, middle and high dosage could all restrict the proliferation of HSC-LX₂ cells. The inhibitory rates on 48 h were 15.4%, 49.1% and 58.3%, respectively. The IC₅₀ on 48 h was 45 µmol/L. HSC-LX₂ cells were blocked to enter the DNA synthesis and proliferation cycle; and the early and late apoptosis of HSC-LX₂ cells was induced. Percentages of total cell numbers at S stage + G2/M stage were 70.1%, 63.6% ad 50.2% on 48 h, respectively. The apoptosis rates were 13.9%, 18.9% ad 23.5%, respectvely. The volatile oils at different concentrations could restrict the HSC-LX₂ cells to secrete coHaens type I and III, and enhance the secretion of MMP-1 and MMP-13. [Conclusions] Volatile oils of RADIX CURCUMAE restricted the proliferation of HSC-LX₂ cells, blocked the cells to enter the DNA synthesis and proliferation cycle, induced the cell apoptosis, reduced the secretion of fibrosis protein in HSC-LX₂ cells, enhanced the degradation of fibrosis protein, and interfered the hepatic fibrosis. All these showed a dose-dependant maner. And the abilities mentioned above in middle- and high-dosage groups were stronger than those in colchicine group and Compound Biejiaruangan Tablet group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]