Triplex forming oligonucleotides against type α1(I) collagen attenuates liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation

Liver fibrosis is a consequence of chronic liver disorders which lead to the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Particularly, there is an increased accumulation of collagen in the fibrotic liver. We have therefore used a triplex forming oligonucleotide (TFO) against the type α1(I) collagen and evaluated, whether it can attenuate liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in rats. There was a significant decrease in hydroxyproline levels and Masson's trichrome staining for collagen in TFO-treated CBDL groups compared to non-treated CBDL group. There was over expression of type α1(I) collagen, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β1 expression in the CBDL group compared to TFO-treated CBDL group. Also, the serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations were less in the TFO treated group compared to non-treated CBDL group. There was also less neutrophils accumulation in TFO treated CBDL group assayed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. These results suggests that TFO can be used to downregulate type 1 collagen gene expression and can alleviate liver fibrosis induced by common bile duct ligation.