Synthesis of peptides of Carapax Trionycis and their inhibitory effects on TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cells

Drug Discov Ther. 2013 Dec;7(6):248-53. doi: 10.5582/ddt.2013.v7.6.248.

Abstract

We previous identified the antifibrotic active ingredients from Carapax Trionycis as two peptides. Here, we synthesized these two peptides (peptide 1 and peptide 2) by a solid phase method and examined their effects on proliferation and activation of cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC) which are the main ECM (extracellular matrix)-producing cells in fibrosis progression. We demonstrated that peptide 1 and peptide 2 significantly reduced HSC proliferation and activation in a dose dependent manner. Further, peptide 1 and peptide 2 could interfere with TGF-signaling by down-regulating Smad 3 phosphorylation. Thus, these synthetic peptides of Carapax Trionycis could inhibit proliferation and activation of HSC and might be used as a candidate for treatment of liver fibrosis.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Shells*
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Hepatic Stellate Cells / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Chinese Traditional*
  • Reptilian Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Turtles*

Substances

  • Reptilian Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1