科研之友
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摘要
Purpose: To evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of ethanol extract of Rhus javanica Linn. (Anacardiaceae) (RJE) in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) as well as explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The cytotoxic effect of RJE (100, 300 and 500 mu g/mL) was analyzed using 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in Chang liver cells. The mRNA expression of collagen type I, alpha 2 (COL1A2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in HSCs. Protein expression of collagen and Smad were measured by Western blot analysis. Results: Treatment with RJE extract at 100, 300 and 500 mu g/mL did not show any signs of cytotoxicity to Chang liver cells. RJE at 500 mu g/mL concentration influenced the morphology, reduced the stretched fiber and decreased the number of viable cells in activated HSCs. The increased expressional levels of fibrosis mediators such as COL1A2, TGF-alpha, alpha-SMA were decreased by RJE (500 mu g/mL) pre-treatment. Quantification data showed that the increased band intensity of COL1A2 (1.41 +/- 0.08), TGF-beta (1.23 +/- 0.13), alpha-SMA (1.71 +/- 0.14) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced to 0.39 +/- 0.12, 0.35 +/- 0.11 and 0.04 +/- 0.08, respectively upon RJE treatment. However, RJE did not suppress the expression of PDGF gene. Mechanistic study revealed that RJE prevented fibrosis in HSCs via regulation of TGF-beta and Smad signaling pathways. Conclusion: The findings show that RJE inhibits fibrosis production in HSCs and can be developed as a novel therapy for hepatic fibrosis. This is the first report showing the beneficial effects of R. javanica as an anti-fibrotic agent.
- 出版日期2015-8
