Inhibition by curcumin of multiple sites of the transforming growth factor-beta1 signalling pathway ameliorates the progression of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Chuan-tao Tu¹  Shun-cai Zhang¹  Hong-chun Liu¹  Ji-yao Wang¹  Bei-li Xu¹  Qun-yan Yao¹ 

[1] Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, 180# Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China

关键词: Connective tissue growth factor;    Smads;    Transforming growth factor-beta;    Liver fibrosis;    Hepatic stellate cells;    Curcumin;   

Others  :  1232012
DOI  :  10.1186/1472-6882-12-156

 received in 2012-05-21, accepted in 2012-09-08,  发布年份 2012

【 摘 要 】

Background

At present there is no effective and accepted therapy for hepatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 signaling pathway contributes greatly to hepatic fibrosis. Reducing TGF-β synthesis or inhibiting components of its complex signaling pathway represent important therapeutic targets. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of curcumin on liver fibrosis and whether curcumin attenuates the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rat was induced liver fibrosis by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for six weeks together with or without curcumin, and hepatic histopathology and collagen content were employed to quantify liver necro-inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, phosphorylated Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were determined by quantitative real time-PCR, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry.

Results

Rats treated with curcumin improved liver necro-inflammation, and reduced liver fibrosis in association with decreased α-smooth muscle actin expression, and decreased collagen deposition. Furthermore, curcumin significantly attenuated expressions of TGFβ1, Smad2, phosphorylated Smad2, Smad3, and CTGF and induced expression of the Smad7.

Conclusions

Curcumin significantly attenuated the severity of CCl₄-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis through inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and CTGF expression. These data suggest that curcumin might be an effective antifibrotic drug in the prevention of liver disease progression.

【 授权许可】

   
2012 Yao et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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