Effects of Guangxi Hepu Pearl Hydrolysate on Proliferation Activity and Apoptosis of Human Hepatic Stellate Cells

[Objective] The paper was to observe the effects of Guangxi Hepu pearl hydrolysate on proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatic stellate cells. [Method] The inhibition rate against the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells was determined by MTT colorimetry after co-incubation with pearl hydrolysate for 48 h. The percentage of early and late apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry(Annexin V-FITC/PI staining). [Result] Low, medium and high concentrations of pearl hydrolysate could inhibit the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells, and the inhibition rates at 48 h were 12.4%, 27.4% and 37.8%, respectively. The low, medium and high concentrations of pearl hydrolysate could induce the apoptosis of cells. The percentages of total apoptotic cells(early apoptotic + late apoptotic) at 48 h were 8.97%, 16.09% and 26.98%, respec-tively. [Conclusion] Pearl hydrolysate can inhibit the proliferation of human hepatic stellate cells and induce the apoptosis of these cells, which may be the mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of pearl hydrolysate. These effects are dose-dependent. It is also found that the above cellular effects of high dose pearl hydrolysate are stronger than those of colchicine and compound Biejiaruangan tablets.