Application of Proteomics on Hepatoprotection Effect of Chinese Herb Medicine Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang(2-2)

The accumulation of hydropholic bile acids in the liver is considered to play a pivotal role in the induction of apoptosis of hepatocyte during cholestasis. Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine drugs has been proved satisfactory and curative effect with principles of (1) soothing the liver and dispelling stasis; (2) promoting blood circulation and excreting dampness. A Chinese herbal remedy called Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT or ICHT ) is now shown to attenuate development of hepatic bilirubin clearance. This herbal decoctions have been recognized as a ’’magic bullet” for jaundice and has long been used in China and Japan as a choleretic and hepatoprotective agent for various types of liver diseases. Therefore, we used an experimental animals model of biliary atresia to test the hypothesis that YCHT plays a key regulatory role in the pathogenesis of bile duct obstruction in hepatic apoptosis. Experimental cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis after common bile-duct ligation (BDL) in rats. After BDL surgery, YCHT (50, 125, 250 mg/kg body p.o.) continued for 27 days. At 28 days, blood sample and liver tissue are harvest for specific markers including apoptosis, free fatty acid -oxidation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and sterol regulatory element binding proteins related factors assay. Cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) levels were analyzed. Hepatic tissue for Western blot analysis and RT-PCR analysis of mRNA levels of sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1c (SREBPlc) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-,, (PPAR-,,). In addition, we also evaluated whether YCHT modulate hepatic fibrosis dependent on networks of interacting proteins was measured by functional proteomics assay. In the current project, we will establish a biological approach combining molecular biology and proteomics tools to identify the relative mechanisms and classify the differentially expressed proteins from the cholestasis animal after YCHT treatment. Utilizing the analysis results, we also attempt to outline the pharmacogenomics profile of YCHT. This study on YCHT opens new fields of research not only for those interested in the hepatic cholestasis induced liver fibrosis but for all of us taking care of patients with chronic liver diseases.

Project ID:PG9606-0281
External Project ID:CCMP95-RD-207-1