Research Progress in Astragalus Membranaceus and Its Active Components on Immune Responses in Liver Fibrosis
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hinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
Available online at link.springer.com/journal/11655 Journal homepage: www.cjim.cn/zxyjhen/zxyjhen/ch/index.aspx E-mail: [email protected]
Review
Research Progress in Astragalus Membranaceus and Its Active Components on Immune Responses in Liver Fibrosis LIU Yu-tong1 and LV Wen-liang2 ABSTRACT The interaction between immune cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can modulate the development of hepatic fibrosis. It can also regulate hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis caused by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). This article reviews the action mechanism of immune cells on liver fibrosis and the effect of Astragalus membranaeus and its active components on immune cells. In-depth study of interaction between immune cells and HSCs on the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, and the regulatory effect of Astragalus membranaeus and its active components on immune mechanism will provide new insights in the treatment of liver fibrosis. KEYWORDS liver fibrosis, immune cell, Astragalus membranaceus , review
Liver fibrosis is an immune response of the liver to tissue or cell injury. It is a pathological and physiological process in which damaged or necrotic tissues are replaced by the extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibroblasts. In addition, the lost or impaired tissue function is replaced by scar tissue. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process of almost all chronic liver diseases that eventually develops into liver cirrhosis. (1,2) Hepatic fibrosis is reversible and can be controlled if effectively treated. (3) The immune system plays a regulatory role in liver damage. Inflammation of the liver stimulates immune cells, which secrete cytokines, activating factors and other activated molecules. These chemical signals lead to activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and synthesis of collagen protein, glycoprotein, and polysaccharides in large quantities.
Astragalus membranaceus is a herb widely used in China as an immunomodulator to treat common cold, diarrhea, fatigue, and anorexia.(4). Its major components are astragalus polysaccharides (APS), astragalus glycosides, and total flavonoids of astragalus (TFA). APS can regulate the function of immune system. Its action mechanism involves increase in reticuloendothelial system (RES) phagocytosis, generation of antibodies, acceleration of T cell differentiation and maturation, enhancement and promotion of natural killer (NK) cell activity and induction of interferons.(5) In this review, we focus on the effects of APS on the immune system in hepatic fibrosis.
Mechanism of Hepatic Fibrosis Hepatic fibrosis is caused by chronic injuries, including viral infections, drug or alcohol poisoning, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic diseases. In Asian and African countries, liver fibrosis is largely caused by hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses infection. (6) A previous study showed that chronic hepatitis and fibrosis were observed in patients with long-term use of low-dose drugs such as paracetamol.
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