Madecassoside ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through promoting the generation of hepatocyte growth factor via PPAR-γ in colon.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Madecassoside has potent anti-pulmonary fibrosis (PF) effects when administered p.o., despite having extremely low oral bioavailability. Herein, we explored the mechanism of this anti-PF effect with regard to gut hormones.

Experimental approach

A PF model was established in mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Haematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson's trichrome stain were used to assess histological changes in the lung. Quantitative-PCR and Western blot detected mRNA and protein levels, respectively, and cytokines were measured by ELISA. Small interfering RNA was used for gene-silencing. EMSA was applied to detect DNA-binding activity.

Key results

Administration of madecassoside, p.o., but not its main metabolite madecassic acid, exh

SUBMITTER: Xia Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5341335 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature