IL-22 inhibits liver fibrosis induced by hepatic stellate cells via Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway / 中国免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of interleukin-22(IL-22) on inhibiting liver fibrosis induced by HSC,and explore the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSC).Methods:Rat HSC was activated by TGF-β1,and the mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin and α-SMA were detected by q-PCR and Western blot,respectively.HSC was treated with different hours and concentration of recombinant rat protein IL-22.The cell proliferation rates were detected by CCK8,cell apoptosis rates were tested by flow cytometry.HSC were treated with optimal concentration of IL-22 after activated by TGF-β1,the cell proliferation rates,mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin and α-SMA were compared of before and after intervention.Results:The mRNA and the protein levels of β-catenin and α-SMA were significantly increased after activated by TGF-β1(P0.05).IL-22 significantly inhibited the activation of HSC induced by TGF-β1 and remarkably decreased the mRNA and the protein expression level of β-catenin and α-SMA(P<0.05).Conclusion:The Wnt/β-catenin pathway may participates in the process of HSC activation and α-SMA secretion,and IL-22 inhibits biological function of HSC in a dose-and time-dependent manner.This effect probably via inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.