Celastrol Attenuates Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy by Inhibiting Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and 9.

Introduction and aim. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are reported to participate in several pregnancy-related diseases, including intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which is a severe liver disorder in pregnant women. Meanwhile, ample evidences have demonstrated that celastrol inhibits the activity and expression of MMPs. The present study aims to examine the effect of celastrol to alleviate symptoms of ICP in rat model.