Effect of Scutellaria baicalensis on hepatic stellate cells

Liver fibrosis is the result of long-term liver damage in which the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) plays a crucial role during fibrogenesis. The liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) is a liver-resident scavenger, contributing to sinusoidal remodeling, HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes an inflammatory reaction associated with portal circulation and LSEC signaling. The root of Scutellaria baicalensis (SBR), is a Chinese herb widely used for liver diseases. LPS-induced rat LSEC (rLSEC) activation was used to screen and explore the active components of SBR. SBR on rLSEC activation and rat HSC (rHSC) migration were investigated. LPS-induced rLSEC mRNA expression, including VEGF, VEGFR, MCP-1, and TGF-β1, were examined by real-time PCR. MCP-1 protein level and rLSEC conditioned medium (CM) on rHSC migration were measured. Results showed LPS-induced rLSEC activation with upregulated MCP-1 mRNA and protein expressions, and rLSEC CM enhanced rHSC migration. Both baicalein and wogonin significantly reduced MCP-1 expression, but only baicalein markedly inhibited rHSC migration in rLSEC CM. This study demonstrated that SBR attenuates LPS-induced rLSEC activation and HSC migration with downregulation of MCP-1 expression. The results provide supporting evidence that SBR may be beneficial for the amelioration of liver fibrosis.