Imidazoline I2 receptor inhibitor idazoxan regulates the progression of hepatic fibrosis via Akt-Nrf2-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.

ABSTRACT: Liver fibrosis is a global health problem and its relationship with imidazoline I2 receptor has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of imidazoline I2 receptor (I2R) inhibitor idazoxan (IDA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. In vivo liver fibrosis in mice was induced by intraperitoneally injections of CCl4 for eight weeks, and in vitro studies were performed on activated LX2 cells treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Our results showed that IDA significantly improved liver inflammation, ameliorated hepatic stellate cells activation and reduced collagen accumulation by suppressing the pro-fibrogenic signaling of TGF-β/Smad. Further investigation showed that IDA significantly balanced oxidative stress thro

SUBMITTER: Xuanfei L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5400562 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature