Forskolin, a hedgehog signalling inhibitor, attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with very limited therapeutic options. Given the pivotal role of activated hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis, attention has been directed towards the signalling pathways underlying their activation and fibrogenic functions. Recently, the hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway has been identified as a potentially important therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. The present study was designed to explore the antifibrotic effects of the potent Hh signalling inhibitor, forskolin, and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.

Experimental approach

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with either CCl₄ and/or forskolin for 6 consecutive weeks. Serum h

SUBMITTER: El-Agroudy NN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5071558 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature