1. Capsaicin induces de-differentiation of activated hepatic stellate cell.
- Author
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Bitencourt S, de Mesquita FC, Caberlon E, da Silva GV, Basso BS, Ferreira GA, and de Oliveira JR
- Subjects
- Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology, Cells, Cultured, Cyclooxygenase 2 genetics, Cyclooxygenase 2 metabolism, Down-Regulation, Hepatic Stellate Cells drug effects, Hepatic Stellate Cells metabolism, PPAR gamma genetics, PPAR gamma metabolism, Transforming Growth Factor beta1 metabolism, Capsaicin pharmacology, Cell Differentiation, Hepatic Stellate Cells cytology
- Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a key role in liver fibrogenesis. Activation of PPARγ and inhibition of fibrogenic molecules are potential strategies to block HSC activation and differentiation. A number of natural products have been suggested to have antifibrotic effects for the de-activation and de-differentiation of HSCs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of capsaicin on HSC de-activation and de-differentiation. The results demonstrated that capsaicin induced quiescent phenotype in GRX via PPARγ activation. Significant decrease in COX-2 and type I collagen mRNA expression was observed in the first 24 h of treatment. These events preceded the reduction of TGF-β1 and total collagen secretion. Thus, capsaicin promoted down-regulation of HSC activation by its antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings demonstrate that capsaicin may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
- Published
- 2012
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