Hydrolysable tannins of tropical almond show antifibrotic effects in TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cells
Journal
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Journal Volume
91
Journal Volume
91
Journal Issue
15
Journal Issue
15
Pages
2777-2784
Start Page
2777
End Page
2784
ISSN
10970010
Date Issued
2011-12
Author(s)
Chuang, Hsin-Ying
Lin, Liang-Tzung
Chang, Jung-San
Chen, Jen-Yang
Lin, Ta-Chen
Lin, Chun-Ching
Abstract
Background: Persistent activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) has been known to cause liver fibrosis. In this study, our objective was to investigate the effects of chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid, two hydrolysable tannins of tropical almond (Terminalia chebula) fruits, on collagen synthesis and signal transduction in transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated HSC-T6 cells. The expression of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, collagen I(α1)/III, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) mRNAs was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and their protein levels were assessed by western blotting. Results: Results showed that chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid at 20 μmol L -1 exhibited cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on HSC-T6 cells. They also significantly decreased the expression of Smd2, Smad3 and Smad4, and the synthesis of collagen, procollagen I (α1) and III, as well as suppressing the activation of PAI-1; these events consequently facilitated the resolution of fibrosis. Conclusion: These results indicate that both chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid possess antifibrotic activity, and their mechanism of action could be through the inhibition of the Smad pathway.
Subjects
Hydrolysable tannins
Stellate cells
Terminalia chebula
TGF-β1
Tropical almond
Type
journal article