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Published on: January 16, 2013
Paeoniflorin ameliorates schistosomiasis liver fibrosis through regulating IL-13 and its signalling molecules in mice
Xiaoyue Li1, Jilong Shen, Zhengrong Zhong
1Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Abstract:
Treatment of liver fibrosis associated with Schistosoma japonicum ova-induced granulomas remains a challenging proposition. Paeoniflorin (PAE, C23H28O11) has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunoregulatory effects and it is commonly used in Chinese Herbal prescriptions to treat hepatic disorders. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of PAE on hepatic fibrosis of mice infected with S. japonicum and to explore its possible mechanism. Upon pathological examination of PAE-treated mice, the size of egg granuloma, fibrosis scores, the concentration of IL-13 and hydroxyproline in liver were significantly reduced compared with the model mice. In the primary culture of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), PAE inhibited IL-13-induced collagen synthesis. These results suggested that PAE might alleviate the hepatic granulomas and fibrosis caused by S. japonicum and the inhibitory effect of PAE on hepatic fibrosis might be associated with its ability to decrease the level of IL-13 and to interfere with the IL-13 signalling molecule in HSCs.
Insights
Paeoniflorin (PAE) effectively reduces liver fibrosis and granulomas caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection in mice. This study suggests PAE works by lowering Interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels and interfering with its signaling in hepatic stellate cells.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Liver fibrosis associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection is difficult to treat.
- Paeoniflorin (PAE), a compound from Chinese herbal medicine, possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- PAE is traditionally used for hepatic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of PAE on S. japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.
- To explore the underlying mechanism of PAE's action on liver fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with S. japonicum and treated with PAE.
- Pathological examination assessed granuloma size and fibrosis scores.
- Liver hydroxyproline and IL-13 concentrations were measured.
- Primary cultures of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were used to study collagen synthesis inhibition.
Main Results:
- PAE treatment significantly reduced egg granuloma size, fibrosis scores, and liver IL-13 and hydroxyproline levels.
- PAE inhibited IL-13-induced collagen synthesis in HSCs.
- These findings indicate PAE's potential to mitigate S. japonicum-induced liver pathology.
Conclusions:
- Paeoniflorin alleviates hepatic granulomas and fibrosis in S. japonicum-infected mice.
- PAE's antifibrotic effect is likely mediated by reducing IL-13 levels and interfering with IL-13 signaling in HSCs.
