Mechanism of action of Rougan Huaxian granules in the regulation of mitochondrial autophagy and inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation

Abstract Rougan Huaxian granules (RH-gs) can reverse liver fibrosis. However, their mechanism of action remains unknown. We aimed to explore the mechanism of action and effects of RH-gs on the inhibition of activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by regulation of mitochondrial autophagy. Using real-time PCR, western blot, and ELISA assays, we measured the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, α-SMA, type I collagen, type III collagen, TNF-α, FOXO1, PINK1, Parkin, LC3Ⅱ, Smad2, and p-Smad2 in the HSC-T6 cells post RH-gs-treatment. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ROS production were detected using flow cytometry. Our H 2 O 2 -induced cellular oxidative stress HSC-T6 model showed that the miR-135a, α-SMA, type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, TNF-α, p-NF-κB p65, p-Smad2, and TGF-β1 expression and ROS generation was significantly increased, which causes liver fibrosis and inflammation. The FOXO1, PINK1, Parkin, MMP decline rate and LC3 II expression was downregulated, indicating that oxidative stress can inhibit mitochondrial autophagy. The treatment with RH-gs showed significant inhibition of the effects of H 2 O 2 . RH-gs can inhibit the activation of HSCs, and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of miR-135a expression and activation of the FOXO1/PINK1 pathway, which promotes mitochondrial autophagy. So, this study can provide theoretical basis for the treatment of liver fibrosis with RH-gs.