A key feature in the molecular pathogenesis of liver fibrosis requires maintenance of the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) phenotype by inhibition of apoptosis. The induction of apoptosis in activated HSCs has been proposed as an antifibrotic treatment strategy. This study aims at evaluating the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on apoptosis of culture-activated HSCs and further elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Primary HSCs were isolated from rats. The analysis of the cell cycle be performed by flow cytometry, detection of apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC/ PI staining, and the results were confirmed by DNA fragmentation, and cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to analyze the expression of genes. Our results revealed that HSYA significantly induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. HSYA suppresses the activation of ERK1/2 and ERK1/2-regulated gene expression, including Bcl-2, Cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3, leading to the enhancement of apoptosis. Pharmacological blockade of ERK1/2 kinase abrogation this action of HSYA. Our data provide a molecular basis for the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of HSYA.
