IGFBPrP1 induces liver fibrosis by inducing hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatocyte apoptosis via Smad2/3 signaling

Figure 5 Adenoviral vectors containing shSmad3 ameliorated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1-induced liver fibrosis. Rats were sacrificed 14 and 28 d after injection with adenovirus vectors containing shSmad3 (AdshSmad3) or shNC (AdshNC) in the presence of cDNA (cAd) or adenovirus vector carrying insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) (AdIGFBPrP1). Histopathology (A-E) and collagen content (F-J) in the livers were demonstrated by HE and Sirius Red staining (A, F: cAd + AdshNC; B, G: AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshNC 14 d; C, H: AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshSmad3 14 d; D, I: AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshNC 28 d; E, J: AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshSmad3 28 d; magnification × 200); K: The amount of collagen in rat livers was determined using the hydroxyproline assay. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 10 per group). ^aP < 0.05 vs the levels in the cAd + AdshNC group; ^cP < 0.05 the levels in the AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshSmad3 14 d group vs those in the AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshNC 14 d group; ^eP < 0.05 the levels in the AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshSmad3 28 d group vs those in the AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshNC 28 d group.