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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Suppression of Pro-fibrotic Signaling Potentiates Factor-mediated Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts into Induced Cardiomyocytes
Published on: June 3, 2018
Maillard reaction products enriched food extract reduce the expression of myofibroblast phenotype markers
Stefanie Ruhs1, Norbert Nass, Veronika Somoza
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
Abstract:
Advanced glycation end products (AGE) are associated with a wide range of degenerative diseases. The present investigation aimed at analysing the influence of AGE containing nutritional extracts on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) as the major cell type responsible for cardiac fibrosis. Mice CFs were treated with bread crust extract (BCE) which contained significant amounts of a variety of AGE modifications. BCE treatment with up to 30 mg/mL did not impair cell viability. Furthermore, BCE induced a moderate elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and activation of redox sensitive pathways like the p42/44(MAPK), p38(MAPK) and NF-kappaB but did not alter Akt kinase phosphorylation. Expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin and tropomyosin-1, which represent markers for myofibroblast differentiation, was reduced after bread crust treatment. These data suggest a putative antifibrotic effect of melanoidin-rich food.
Insights
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are linked to diseases. This study found that bread crust extract, rich in AGEs, may reduce cardiac fibrosis by decreasing myofibroblast differentiation markers in cardiac fibroblasts.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in various degenerative diseases.
- Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play a crucial role in cardiac fibrosis, a key process in heart disease.
- Nutritional interventions targeting AGEs are being explored for therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of AGE-containing nutritional extracts on cardiac fibroblasts.
- To determine if bread crust extract (BCE), a source of AGEs, influences cardiac fibrosis markers.
Main Methods:
- Primary mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were treated with varying concentrations of BCE.
- Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and key signaling pathways (MAPK, NF-kappaB, Akt) were assessed.
- Expression of myofibroblast differentiation markers (smooth muscle alpha-actin, tropomyosin-1) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- BCE treatment up to 30 mg/mL did not affect CF viability.
- BCE moderately increased ROS production and activated redox-sensitive pathways (p42/44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, NF-kappaB).
- BCE treatment significantly reduced the expression of myofibroblast differentiation markers.
Conclusions:
- Melanoidin-rich food components, like those in BCE, may possess antifibrotic properties.
- The findings suggest a potential role for dietary AGEs in modulating cardiac fibrosis.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
