Dihydroartemisinin Exerts Antifibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Graves' Ophthalmopathy by Targeting Orbital Fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT: Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a common orbital disease that threatens visual function and appearance. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) are considered key target and effector cells in GO. In addition, hyaluronan (HA) production, inflammation, and orbital fibrosis are intimately linked to the pathogenesis of GO. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an antimalarial drug, on GO-derived, primary OFs. CCK8 and EdU assays were applied to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of DHA on OFs. Wound healing assays were conducted to assess OF migration capacity, while qRT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of fibrosis-related and pro-inflammatory markers in these cells. Moreover, RNA sequencing was conducted t

SUBMITTER: Yang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9157422 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature