Objective      To observe the impact of alcohol extract Swertia mussitii Franch on the expression of multidrug resistance protein 3 (MRP3)

specificity protein 1 transcription factor (SP1)

pregnane X receptor (PXR) and CYP7A promoter-binding factor (CPF) in HepG2 cells.       Methods      The optimal concentration of the alcohol extract used to stimulate HepG2 cells was determined by MTT assay. Then

total RNA

membrane protein and nuclear protein were extracted from HepG2 cells at 0

12

24

48 and 72 h after co-cultured with the alcohol extract. The expression of MRP3

SP1

PXR and CPF at mRNA and protein levels were detected using real-time PCR and Western blotting

respectively.       Results      The upregulation of MRP3 was significantly induced by the alcohol extract at mRNA and protein levels

which was more efficient than that by ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The expression of SP1 and PXR at mRNA and protein levels was elevated by the alcohol extract

which was also more efficient than that by UDCA. The expression of CPF was also increased by the alcohol extract at mRNA and protein levels

which was similar to that of UDCA.       Conclusion      Our alcohol extract upregulates the expression of MRP3 in HepG2 cells

possibly involving the activities of SP1

PXR and CPF.