1. Apigenin decreases expression of the myofibroblast phenotype.
- Author
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Ricupero DA, Poliks CF, Rishikof DC, Kuang PP, and Goldstein RH
- Subjects
- Actins genetics, Apigenin, Cells, Cultured, Collagen genetics, Dactinomycin pharmacology, Gene Expression Regulation drug effects, Humans, Muscle, Smooth cytology, Muscle, Smooth drug effects, Phenotype, RNA, Messenger genetics, RNA, Messenger metabolism, Transforming Growth Factor beta pharmacology, Flavonoids metabolism, Muscle, Smooth metabolism
- Abstract
We investigated the effect of the dietary flavonoid apigenin on myofibroblast function. We report that in myofibroblasts treated with apigenin, proliferation and basal levels of alpha1(I) collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNAs were markedly reduced. Apigenin also attenuated the transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated increases of alpha1(I) collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNAs. Characterization of the apigenin effects indicates that apigenin reduces both the stability of the alpha1(I) collagen mRNA and the rate of transcription of the alpha1(I) collagen gene through a cycloheximide-sensitive pathway. Western blot analyses indicate that Akt activity is reduced in apigenin-treated myofibroblasts.
- Published
- 2001
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