Effects of Mangosteen on α-SMA Expression in HSC-T6 Cells and Liver Fibrosis in Rats

Liver fibrosis is always proceeded by inflammation and oxidative stress. Traditionally Mangosteen is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. This study investigated the effect of α-mangostin(α-MG) in immortalized rat hepatic stellate cell line (HSC-T6) and the anti-fibrotic effects of MG on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.This investigation indicates that α-MG reduced all fibrosis stimulators (PDGF, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and LPS) induced smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) secretion, especially that stimulated by LPS. In vivo study showed the prophylactic administration of 100 mg/kg MG significantly inhibited the increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and significantly reduced the liver fibrosis scores in Sprague-awley rats. These results reveal that the administration of α-MG effectively attenuated inflammation-induced fibrosis. The mechanism of the treatment of hepatic fibrosis by MG may involve anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory activity and the inhibition of the function of HSC-T6 cells.