Danshensu Attenuates Palmitic Acid-Induced Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells by Regulating Pyroptosis

Introduction: We focused on examining the role of Danshensu in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which are key factors in liver fibrosis and inflammation. We sought to explore the potential of Danshensu as a therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis by targeting the pyroptosis-inflammasome signaling pathway, providing a basis for developing effective and safer NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors. This study aimed to investigate whether Danshensu can mitigate palmitic acid (PA)-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by regulating pyroptosis in HSC-T6 and LX-2 cells. Methods: HSC-T6 and LX-2 cell lines served as the cell models. A 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate reagent was used to measure ROS production within cells. Cell protein extraction was performed using radioimmunoprecipitation assay lysis buffer. The protein concentration in each sample was measured using a BCA assay kit. Western blot analysis was used with the SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system. Results: PA-induced activation of HSC-T6 and LX-2 cells by upregulating alpha-smooth muscle actin, integrin-β1, and connective tissue growth factor. Danshensu mitigated PA-induced ROS accumulation in these cells. Moreover, Danshensu potentially reversed the upregulation of NLRP3, cleaved caspase 1, interleukin-1, GSDME, and ASC in PA-activated LX-2 cells via pyroptosis, suggesting its therapeutic potential. Pyroptosis inhibitor tetramethylthiuram disulfide reversed Danshensu attenuated PA activation of HSC-T6 and LX-2 cells, resulting in a 2-fold increase in alpha-smooth muscle actin, integrin-β1, and connective tissue growth factor. Conclusion: Danshensu effectively attenuates PA-induced HSC activation by reducing ROS production and inhibiting pyroptosis, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.