Anti-fibrotic impact of Carvedilol in a CCl-4 model of liver fibrosis via serum microRNA-200a/SMAD7 enhancement to bridle TGF-β1/EMT track

Sci Rep. 2018 Sep 25;8(1):14327. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-32309-1.

Abstract

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in modulating the prevalence of fibrosis and have been a target of the cardiac anti-fibrotic effect of Carvedilol. However, the impact of miRNAs on the hepatoprotective effect of this non-selective β-blocker has not been yet elucidated. Hence, the current goal is to evaluate the potential role of circulating miR-200a in the hepatic anti-fibrotic pathway of Carvedilol. Male Wistar rats were randomized into normal, CCl4 (2 ml/kg, i.p, twice weekly for 8 weeks), and CCl4 + Carvedilol (10 mg/kg, p.o, daily). Carvedilol over-expressed the circulating miR-200a to modulate epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (vimentin, E-Cadherin). In turn, Carvedilol increased SMAD7 gene expression and protein content to attenuate the pro-fibrogenic marker transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and the inflammatory markers (p-38 MAPK and p-S536-NF-κB p65). The anti-fibrotic potential was reflected on the decreased expression of the mesenchymal product and EMT marker α-SMA, besides the improved histopathological examination, and the fibrosis scores/collagen quantification to enhance liver functions (AST, ALT, ALP, and AST/platelet ratio index; APRI). In conclusion, circulating miR-200a/SMAD7/TGF-β1/EMT/MAPK axis is crucial in the hepatic anti-fibrotic mechanism of Carvedilol.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Carbon Tetrachloride / adverse effects
  • Carvedilol / pharmacology*
  • Carvedilol / therapeutic use
  • Collagen / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / drug effects*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / chemically induced
  • Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / blood*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Smad7 Protein / blood*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs
  • Smad7 Protein
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Carvedilol
  • Collagen
  • Carbon Tetrachloride