Abstract: Abstract: Aim: To investigate the effects of HydroxySafflor yellow A(HSYA) on the protein expression of MMP-3 in H22 tumor-bearing mice.Methods:After establishing the hepatoma model for 24 h, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. The vehicle-treated group received 0.9% normal saline via intraperitoneal injection. The positive control group was treated with sorafenib by intragastric administration. And the dose HSYA group received intraperitoneal injection at different dosages (1.125,2.25mg/kg).Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were applied to measure the expression of angiogenesis related factor（MMP-3）and we also detected the microvessel density with CD34.Results:Compared with saline group, the expression of MMP-3 in HSYA group was significant reduced. Especially the dose of 2.25mg/kg HSYA group, but not better than the sorafenib-treated group.Conclusion:HSYA could inhibit angiogenesis of tumor tissue in a certain concentration range and the anti angiogenesis effect of HSYA may be related to the decrease of the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase -3.

Key words: Hydroxysafflor yellow A, MMP-3, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Tumor angiogenesis