Expression and significance of connective tissue growth factor in murine schistosomiasis liver fibrosis

[Objective] To study the expression and significance of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in murine schistosomiasis liver fibrosis. [Method] The mice infected with schistosoma japonicum were randomly divided into the model groups and the therapeutic groups. The hepatic expression of CTGF mRNA and protein was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical method respectively. Histological changes were observed by HE staining. The α-SMA positive cells were observed by immunohistochemical method. [Result] The expression of CTGF mRNA and protein and α-SMA positive cells in the model groups peaked at 10th week and then declined; there were significant differences at 10th, 14th, 16th week between the model groups and the therapeutic groups at the same period respectively; the expression of α-SMA+ positive cells had the same tendency as CTGF mRNA and protein. [Conclusion] The hepatic expression of CTGF is correlated to the murine schistosomiasis liver fibrosis; CTGF may take its biological effects by its action on HSCs.