Sicheng Gao , Wanyi Zhang , Xiaodi Gao , Baiyang Ye , Weiye Hu , Hailin Yang , Haisheng Chai , Jiangling Yang , Qinlin Tang , Gang Zhao , Junfeng Zhu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and hepatocyte injury contribute to liver fibrosis progression and subsequent cirrhosis. Literature showed that cinnamaldehyde (CA) could alleviate fibrosis procession and steatosis. However, its specific role in liver fibrosis remains largely unexplored.
Materials and methods
Liver fibrosis was induced in vivo, and CA was administered for 4 weeks. Liver inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and proliferation were evaluated using histological, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. CYP2A6 and Notch3 expression levels were also measured. In vitro, TGF-β stimulated LX2 cell activation was used, and siCYP2A6 was employed to evaluate the anti-fibrosis mechanism of CA.
Results
CA effectively improved liver function and reduced fibrosis in CCL4-treated rats, significantly decreasing serum ALT, AST, GGT, TBIL, and HAase levels (all p < 0.05), with a notable increase in ALB in the high-dose group. Histologically, CA reduced hepatic disorganization and collagen proliferation, significantly diminishing fibrotic areas in the CA-H group (p < 0.05). CA also downregulated α-SMA and collagen I expression, and suppressed TGF-β activity. In TGF-β1-stimulated LX2 cells, CA treatment led to significant reductions in CYP2A6 and Notch3 expression (p < 0.05), highlighting its regulatory effects on key fibrotic pathways.
Conclusions
CA alleviated CCL4-induced liver fibrosis with inhibition of HSCs activation and liver inflammation and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, potentially linked to the HSCs-mediated CYP2A6/Notch3 modulation.
期刊介绍:
Arab Journal of Gastroenterology (AJG) publishes different studies related to the digestive system. It aims to be the foremost scientific peer reviewed journal encompassing diverse studies related to the digestive system and its disorders, and serving the Pan-Arab and wider community working on gastrointestinal disorders.