Hydrolysable tannins of tropical almond show antifibrotic effects in TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cells

Hsin Ying Chuang, Lean Teik Ng, Liang Tzung Lin, Jung San Chang, Jen Yang Chen, Ta Chen Lin, Chun Ching Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2777-2784
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
Volume91
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Hydrolysable tannins
  • Stellate cells
  • TGF-β1
  • Terminalia chebula
  • Tropical almond

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Biotechnology

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