Tetrahydropalmatine attenuates liver fibrosis by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatic stellate cells

To the Editor: Liver fibrosis was characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extracellular matrix deposition. The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis involved many aspects. Studies have found that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in HSCs could lead to HSC activation and aggravate liver fibrosis.[1] Although liver fibrosis has been extensively studied, effective anti-fibrotic drugs are lacking at present. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) was the active ingredient of Chinese herbs Corydalis yanhusuo. Previous studies have found the hepatoprotective effect of THP. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of THP on liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.