Complexation with Random Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin and (2-Hidroxypropyl)-β-Cyclodextrin Enhances In Vivo Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Chrysin via the Inhibition of NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathways and Modulation of Hepatic Pro/Anti-Fibrotic miRNA

Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavonoid with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotection, but poor water solubility. By including water-soluble hydroxypropyl (HPBCD) and randomly methylated (RAMEB) β-cyclodextrin, we aimed to increase its biodisponibility and the effectiveness of the antifibrotic effects of chrysin at oral administration. Liver fibrosis in mice was induced in 7 weeks by CCl4 i.p. administration, and afterwards treated with 50 mg/kg of CHR-HPBCD, CHR-RAMEB, and free chrysin. CCl4 administration increased hepatic inflammation (which was augmented by the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and induced fibrosis, as determined using histopathology and electron microscopy. These results were also confirmed by the upregulation of Collagen I (Col I) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, which led to extracellular fibrotic matrix proliferation. Moreover, the immunopositivity of alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) in the CCl4 group was evidence of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. The main profibrotic pathway was activated, as confirmed by an increase in the transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3 expression, while Smad 7 expression was decreased. Treatment with CHR–HPBCD and CHR–RAMEB considerably reduced liver injury, attenuated inflammation, and decreased extracellular liver collagen deposits. CHR–RAMEB was determined to be the most active antifibrotic complex. We conclude that both nanocomplexes exert anti-inflammatory effects and antifibrotic effects in a considerably stronger manner than for free chrysin administration.

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mTOR inhibitors potentially reduce TGF-β2-induced fibrogenic changes in trabecular meshwork cells

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93580-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nozomi Igarashi ◽

Megumi Honjo ◽

Makoto Aihara

Keyword(s):

Trabecular Meshwork ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Mtor Inhibitors ◽

In Vivo Model ◽

Type I ◽

Fibrotic Response ◽

Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin

AbstractWe examined the effects of mTOR inhibitors on the fibrotic response induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. TGF-β2-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in hTM cells was examined in the presence or absence of mTOR inhibitors using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The migration rates of hTM cells were examined in the presence of TGF-β2 with or without mTOR inhibitors. An in vitro study showed that the expression of fibronectin, COL1A1, and αSMA was upregulated by TGF-β2 treatment of hTM cells; such upregulation was significantly suppressed by mTOR inhibitors. The inhibitors significantly reduced the migration rate of TGF-β2-stimulated hTM cells. mTOR inhibitors may usefully reduce the fibrotic response of hTM cells and we may have to explore if it is also effective in in vivo model.

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Sestrin 2 Attenuates Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell (HSC) Activation and Liver Fibrosis via an mTOR/AMPK-Dependent Mechanism

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000495829 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 51 (5) ◽

pp. 2111-2122 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Yi-Bing Hu ◽

Xiao-Ting Ye ◽

Qing-Qing Zhou ◽

Rong-Quan Fu

Keyword(s):

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Hepatic Fibrosis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Histopathological Examination ◽

Stellate Cell ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin

Background/Aims: Sestrin 2 is associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Sestrin 2 in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrogenesis. Methods: In this study, Sestrin 2 protein expression was detected in rat HSC-T6 cells challenged with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a well-known model of hepatic fibrosis. Next, HSC-T6 cells and fibrotic mice were transfected with lentivirus. The mRNA expression levels of markers of liver fibrosis [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (Col1A1)] were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell death and proliferation were evaluated by the MTT assay, and biochemical markers of liver damage in serum [alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)] were also measured using a biochemical analyzer. Histopathological examination was used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis, and protein expression [phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), AMPK, phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and mTOR] was determined by western blotting. Results: We found that Sestrin 2 was elevated in both the HSC-T6 cell and hepatic fibrosis models. In vitro, overexpression of Sestrin 2 attenuated the mRNA levels of α-SMA and Col1A1, suppressed α-SMA protein expression, and modulated HSC-T6 cell proliferation. In vivo, overexpression of Sestrin 2 reduced the ALT and AST levels as well as the α-SMA and Col1A1 protein expression in the CCl4 model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, the degree of liver fibrosis was ameliorated. Interestingly, overexpression of Sestrin 2 increased p-AMPK but decreased p-mTOR protein expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Sestrin 2 may attenuate the activation of HSCs and ameliorate liver fibrosis, most likely via upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation and suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway.

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Role of Harmaline as Adiponectin Modulator in Defeating Liver Cirrhosis Induced By Thioacetamide in Mice

Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal ◽

10.13005/bpj/2106 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 123-131

Author(s):

Doha M. Beltagy ◽

Khloud Gamal Abdelsalam ◽

Tarek M Mohamed ◽

Mai M. El-Keey

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Liver Cirrhosis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽

Liver Tissue ◽

Cell Activation ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Stellate Cell ◽

Matrix Deposition ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Tgf Β1

Liver cirrhosis is currently the 11th most common cause of death which includes inflammatory, oxidative damage, and immune response. Harmaline has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms which can defeat against hepatic cirrhosis pathways. The present work aimed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of harmaline against liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide in mice. The study was carried out on sixty male mice divided into three main groups. Control and harmaline groups (GIa and GIb), thioacetamide-group (GII) and harmaline co-treated and treated groups (GIIIa and GIIIb). By the end of the experiment, adiponectin concentrations were measured in serum and liver tissue. Gene expression of adiponectin, transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), tissue inhibitor metalloprotease-1(TIMP-1) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) were assessed. Some oxidative stress biomarkers as malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide were determined. The results indicated that harmaline administration cause significant suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.Inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition were also noticed with a significant decrease in the expression of the profibrotic markers(TGF-β1 and TIMP-1) which have direct effects on adiponectin activation. These results were confirmed by the histological studies in liver tissue. In Conclusion,Harmaline has excellent protective role against liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide in mice via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.It can be therapeutically used as a safe liver support by a dose of 10 mg/kg after furtherin vivo studies.

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IL-15 regulates fibrosis and inflammation in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis

AJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpgi.00139.2018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 315 (6) ◽

pp. G954-G965 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Murli Manohar ◽

Hemanth Kumar Kandikattu ◽

Alok Kumar Verma ◽

Anil Mishra

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pancreatitis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Interferon Γ ◽

Cancer Tissue ◽

Inkt Cells ◽

Interleukin 15 ◽

Potential Strategy ◽

Tgf Β1

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the induction of several proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-1. Recently, the multifunctional innate cytokine IL-15 has been implicated in the protection of several diseases, including cancer. Tissue fibrosis is one of the major problems in successfully treating chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) treatment may induce innate tissue responses and its overexpression will improve the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis, associated remodeling, and fibrosis. We observed atrophy of acinar cells, increased inflammation, and increased deposition of perivascular collagen, the upregulated protein level of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen-1 in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Furthermore, we reported that rIL-15 treatment protects mice from the cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis, including acinar cell atrophy, and perivascular accumulation of tissue collagen followed by downregulation of profibrotic genes such as TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen-1, collagen-3, and fibronectin in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Mechanistically, we show that IL-15-mediated increase of interferon-γ-responsive invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in the blood and tissue protects cerulein-induced pancreatic pathogenesis in mice. Of note, a reduction in iNKT cells was also observed in human chronic pancreatitis compared with normal individuals. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-15 treatment may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic fibrosis is a major concern for the successful treatment of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, restriction in the progression of fibrosis is the promising approach to manage the pancreatitis pathogenesis. Herein, we present in vivo evidences that pharmacological treatment of recombinant interleukin-15 improves remodeling and fibrosis in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Our observations indicate that interleukin-15 immunotherapy may be a possible and potential strategy for restricting the progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis.

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All-Trans Retinoic Acid Attenuates Fibrotic Processes by Downregulating TGF-β1/Smad3 in Early Diabetic Nephropathy

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom9100525 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 525 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Edith Sierra-Mondragon ◽

Rafael Rodríguez-Muñoz ◽

Carmen Namorado-Tonix ◽

Eduardo Molina-Jijon ◽

Daniel Romero-Trejo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Nephropathy ◽

Retinoic Acid ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Nuclear Translocation ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Trans Retinoic Acid ◽

All Trans Retinoic Acid ◽

Tgf Β1

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves damage associated to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Renal fibrosis is a major pathologic feature of DN. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-fibrogenic and renoprotective effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in isolated glomeruli and proximal tubules of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/Kg). ATRA (1 mg/Kg) was administered daily by gavage, from days 3–21 after STZ injection. ATRA attenuated kidney injury through the reduction of proteinuria, renal hypertrophy, increase in natriuresis, as well as early markers of damage such as β2-microglobulin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). The following parameters increased: macrophage infiltration, localization of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive cells in renal tissue, and pro-fibrotic proteins such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), laminin beta 1 (LAM-β1), and collagens IV and I. Remarkably, ATRA treatment ameliorated these alterations and attenuated expression and nuclear translocation of Smad3, with increment of glomerular and tubular Smad7. The diabetic condition decreased expression of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α) through phosphorylation in serine residues mediated by the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). ATRA administration restored the expression of RAR-α and inhibited direct interactions of JNK/RAR-α. ATRA prevented fibrogenesis through down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling.

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Regulation of LPS-mediated inflammation in vivo and in vitro by the thiol antioxidant Nacystelyn

AJP Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajplung.00329.2003 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 286 (6) ◽

pp. L1319-L1327 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Frank Antonicelli ◽

David Brown ◽

Maryline Parmentier ◽

Ellen M. Drost ◽

Nik Hirani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Binding ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Lavage Fluid ◽

Human Macrophage ◽

Antioxidant Agents ◽

Thiol Antioxidant ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

Tgf Β1

Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines are present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in various lung diseases. Redox-sensitive transcription factors such as NF-κB regulate gene transcription for these cytokines. We therefore studied the effect of a new thiol antioxidant compound, Nacystelyn (NAL), on IL-8 regulation in a human macrophage-derived cell line (THP-1). LPS (10 μg/ml) increased IL-8 release compared with control levels. This LPS activation was inhibited by coincubation with NAL (1 and 5 mM). Pretreatment with cycloheximide or okadaic acid, protein synthesis, and serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors, respectively, did not modify inhibition of IL-8 release caused by NAL. NF-κB and C/EBP DNA binding were increased after LPS treatment compared with control, an effect inhibited by cotreatment with NAL. Activator protein (AP)-1 DNA binding was unaffected. The enhanced neutrophil chemotaxis produced by conditioned media from LPS-treated cells was inhibited when cells were cotreated with NAL. The selectivity of NAL inhibition upon IL-8 expression was studied. LPS-treated THP-1 cells also had higher levels of TNF-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and -3, MIP-1α and -β, and RANTES gene expression. However, only LPS-induced IL-8 and TGF-β1 expressions were inhibited by NAL. An anti-inflammatory effect of NAL was confirmed in vivo as shown by a reduction in LPS-induced neutrophil recruitment to the lungs following instillation of NAL into the lungs. Our studies demonstrate that NAL has anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo, may therefore have a therapeutic role in lung inflammation, and has the advantage over other antioxidant agents in that it may be administrated by inhalation.

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Targeting Follistatin like 1 ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride through TGF-β1-miR29a in mice

Cell Communication and Signaling ◽

10.1186/s12964-020-00610-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xin-Yi Xu ◽

Yan Du ◽

Xue Liu ◽

Yilin Ren ◽

Yingying Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Cell Activation ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Stellate Cell ◽

Neutralizing Antibody ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽

Chemokine Ligand ◽

Tgf Β1

Abstract Background Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological response of the liver to a variety of chronic stimuli. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the liver. Follistatin like 1 (Fstl1) is a secreted glycoprotein induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the precise functions and regulation mechanisms of Fstl1 in liver fibrogenesis remains unclear. Methods Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 stimulated by TGF-β1, primary culture of mouse HSCs and a model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice was used to assess the effect of Fstl1 in vitro and in vivo. Results Here, we found that Fstl1 was significantly up regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, as well as activated HSCs. Haplodeficiency of Fstl1 or blockage of Fstl1 with a neutralizing antibody 22B6 attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Fstl1 modulates TGF-β1 classic Samd2 and non-classic JNK signaling pathways. Knockdown of Fstl1 in HSCs significantly ameliorated cell activation, cell migration, chemokines C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8) secretion and extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and also modulated microRNA-29a (miR29a) expression. Furthermore, we identified that Fstl1 was a target gene of miR29a. And TGF-β1 induction of Fstl1 expression was partially through down regulation of miR29a in HSCs. Conclusions Our data suggests TGF-β1-miR29a-Fstl1 regulatory circuit plays a key role in regulation the HSC activation and ECM production, and targeting Fstl1 may be a strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Graphical abstract

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Dioscin alleviates alcoholic liver fibrosis by attenuating hepatic stellate cell activation via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/srep18038 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Min Liu ◽

Youwei Xu ◽

Xu Han ◽

Lianhong Yin ◽

Lina Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Type I Collagen ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Stellate Cell ◽

Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate ◽

Type I ◽

Tgf Β1

Abstract The present work aimed to investigate the activities and underlying mechanisms of dioscin against alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF). In vivo liver fibrosis in mice was induced by an alcoholic liquid diet and in vitro studies were performed on activated HSC-T6 and LX2 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide. Our results showed that dioscin significantly attenuated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, improved collagen accumulation and attenuated inflammation through down-regulating the levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α by decreasing Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 expression both in vivo and in vitro. TLR4 overexpression was also decreased by dioscin, leading to the markedly down-regulated levels of MyD88, NF-κB, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL1A1) in cultured HSCs. Suppression of cellular MyD88 by ST2825 or abrogation of NF-κB by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate eliminated the inhibitory effects of dioscin on the levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA and COL1A1. In a word, dioscin exhibited potent effects against ALF via altering TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, which provided novel insights into the mechanisms of this compound as an antifibrogenic candidate for the treatment of ALF in the future.

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Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA attenuates hyperuricemic nephropathy

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20180563 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (21) ◽

pp. 2299-2322 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Jinfang Bao ◽

Yingfeng Shi ◽

Min Tao ◽

Na Liu ◽

Shougang Zhuang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Factor ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Nuclear Factor Κb ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽

Renal Tissue ◽

Tgf Β1

Autophagy has been identified as a cellular process of bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components and its persistent activation is critically involved in the renal damage induced by ureteral obstruction. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of autophagy in hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) remain unknown. In the present study, we observed that inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) abolished uric acid-induced differentiation of renal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Wnt signaling pathways in cultured renal interstitial fibroblasts. Treatment with 3-MA also abrogated the development of HN in vivo as evidenced by improving renal function, preserving renal tissue architecture, reducing the number of autophagic vacuoles, and decreasing microalbuminuria. Moreover, 3-MA was effective in attenuating renal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and reducing renal epithelial cells arrested at the G2/M phase of cell cycle. Injury to the kidney resulted in increased expression of TGF-β1 and TGFβ receptor I, phosphorylation of Smad3 and TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and activation of multiple cell signaling pathways associated with renal fibrogenesis, including Wnt, Notch, EGFR, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). 3-MA treatment remarkably inhibited all these responses. In addition, 3-MA effectively suppressed infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes as well as release of multiple profibrogenic cytokines/chemokines in the injured kidney. Collectively, these findings indicate that hyperuricemia-induced autophagy is critically involved in the activation of renal fibroblasts and development of renal fibrosis and suggest that inhibition of autophagy may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for HN.

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Celastrol-Induced Suppression of the MiR-21/ERK Signalling Pathway Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis and Dysfunction

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000445554 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 38 (5) ◽

pp. 1928-1938 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Mian Cheng ◽

Gang Wu ◽

Yue Song ◽

Lin Wang ◽

Ling Tu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Fibrosis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽

Cardiac Dysfunction ◽

Cardiac Fibrosis ◽

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Smooth Muscle Actin ◽

Signalling Pathway ◽

Tgf Β1

Backgroud: Myocardial fibrosis results in myocardial remodelling and dysfunction. Celastrol, a traditional oriental medicine, has been suggested to have cardioprotective effects. However, its underlying mechanism is unknown. This study investigated the ability of celastrol to prevent cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Animal and cell models of cardiac fibrosis were used in this study. Myocardial fibrosis was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were evaluated based on histological and biochemical measurements. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. The levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), extracellular signal regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signalling were measured using Western blotting, while the expression of miR-21was analyzed by real-time qRT-PCR in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies, cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were treated with TGF-β1 and transfected with microRNA-21(miR21). Results: Celastrol treatment reduced the increased collagen deposition and down-regulated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptides (BNP), beta-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC), miR-21 and p-ERK/ERK. Cardiac dysfunction was significantly attenuated by celastrol treatment in the TAC mice model. Celastrol treatment reduced myocardial fibroblast viability and collagen content and down-regulated α-SMA in cultured CFs in vitro. Celastrol also inhibited the miR-21/ERK signalling pathway. Celastrol attenuated miR-21 up-regulation by TGF-β1 and decreased elevated p-ERK/ERK levels in CFs transfected with miR-21. Conclusion: MiR-21/ERK signalling could be a potential therapeutic pathway for the prevention of myocardial fibrosis. Celastrol ameliorates myocardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction, these probably related to miR-21/ERK signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo.

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