IκB kinase-beta inhibitor attenuates hepatic fibrosis in mice

Figure 7 The IKK2 inhibitor inhibited LPS and HF-induced increases in pro inflammatory cytokine levels in mouse livers. The level of tumor growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) was measured in the livers of mice in the control, HF, HF + LPS and HF + LPS + IMD groups. Also, expression of the fibrosis index, such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), typeIcollagen and type III collagen, were detected in the four groups by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The level of TGF-β1 measured in livers was increased in the HF and HF + LPS groups, compared with the control group, ^aP < 0.05. The mRNA content of typeIcollagen in the HF group and type III collagen in the HF + LPS group were significantly higher, ^aP < 0.05, compared with the control group. Intraperitoneally administered IKK2 inhibitor normalized the expression of TGF-β1, as well as the contents of α-SMA, typeIand type III collagen mRNA, compared with the HF or LPS + HF groups. ^aP < 0.05, compared with the control group. ^cP < 0.05, compared with both HF group and LPS + HF exposed group. HF: High-fat; LPS: Lipopolysaccharide; IMD: IKK2 inhibitor.