Capsaicin modulates proliferation, migration, and activation of hepatic stellate cells

Cell Biochem Biophys. 2014 Mar;68(2):387-96. doi: 10.1007/s12013-013-9719-0.

Abstract

Capsaicin, the active component of chili pepper, has been reported to have antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects on a variety of cell lines. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of capsaicin during HSC activation and maintenance. Activated and freshly isolated HSCs were treated with capsaicin. Proliferation was measured by incorporation of EdU. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry. The migratory response to chemotactic stimuli was evaluated by a modified Boyden chamber assay. Activation markers and inflammatory cytokines were determined by qPCR, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. Our results show that capsaicin reduces HSC proliferation, migration, and expression of profibrogenic markers of activated and primary mouse HSCs. In conclusion, the present study shows that capsaicin modulates proliferation, migration, and activation of HSC in vitro.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Capsaicin / pharmacology*
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / cytology
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / drug effects*
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / enzymology
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
  • Mice

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases
  • Capsaicin