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Astragalus Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells by Down-Regulating β-Catenin

Manshu Yu, Jun Shi, Meixiao Sheng

    Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry : International Journal of Experimental Cellular Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology
    |December 19, 2018
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Astragalus inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) by reducing β-catenin. This finding offers a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing peritoneal fibrosis (PF).

    Area of Science:

    • Cell Biology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) is key to peritoneal fibrosis (PF).
    • Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Smad signaling pathways are implicated in EMT and interact with β-catenin.
    • Understanding Astragalus's effect on β-catenin in PMC EMT is crucial for developing PF treatments.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the role of β-catenin in EMT of PMCs.
    • To determine the effect of Astragalus on β-catenin and EMT in PMCs.
    • To explore the therapeutic potential of Astragalus in preventing peritoneal fibrosis.

    Main Methods:

    • Gene transfer in HMrSV5 cell line and rats to study β-catenin's role in EMT.
    • Astragalus treatment followed by analysis of EMT markers and signaling pathways.
    • Techniques included western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and real-time PCR.

    Main Results:

    • β-catenin knockdown inhibited EMT in HMrSV5 cells.
    • Astragalus treatment reduced EMT markers (increased E-cadherin, decreased α-SMA and Vimentin) in PMCs.
    • Astragalus attenuated peritoneal thickening and fibrosis in a rat model, down-regulating β-catenin via GSK-3β stabilization and enhancing Smad7 expression.

    Conclusions:

    • Astragalus inhibits PMC EMT by down-regulating β-catenin.
    • Modulating peritoneal β-catenin presents a novel approach for preventing peritoneal fibrosis.
    • Astragalus demonstrates therapeutic potential for peritoneal fibrosis treatment.
    Keywords:
    AstragalusEMTPeritoneal mesothelial cellsβ-catenin

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