Objective:To observe the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin（FK228）on liver cirrhosis in mice

and to investigate the underlying mechanism of renoprotective effect of FK228. Methods:Thirty experimental mice were randomly divided into three groups:control group（group A）

model group（group B）and treatment group（group C）. To set up the liver cirrhosis model

mice in group B and C were treated with intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 24 weeks. From the 21 th week

group C were treated with intraperitoneal injection of FK228 weekly. The levels of serum ALT and AST were detected to judge liver damage degree. HE and sirius red staining were used to observe pseudolobuli and tubercle. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of osteopontin α-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）in liver. Results:The data showed the average serum ALT in group C was（37.670±8.461）IU/L and（67.270±11.109）IU/L in group B. It was significantly decreased when treating the experimental mice with FK228（P=0.019）. Also

HE and sirius red staining revealed the degree of liver fibrosis in group C were weakened obviously. Additionally

Western blot and immunohistochemistry indicated the levels of α-SMA in group C were notable reduced（P=0.001）. Conclusion:The preventive effect of FK228 treatment for liver cirrhosis and the mechanism may involve down regulating levels of α-SMA and inhibition of HSC activation.