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

Figure 6 Adenoviral vector containing shSmad3 inhibits fibrogenic expression in insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1-treated rats. A: Expression of Smad3, collagen I and fibronectin in the livers were analyzed 28 d after treatment by Western blot; B-D: Hepatocyte apoptosis was examined 28 d after treatment by TUNEL assay; B: cDNA (cAd) + adenovirus vector containing shNC (AdshNC); C: Adenovirus vector carrying insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) (AdIGFBPrP1) + AdshNC; D: AdIGFBPrP1 + adenovirus vector containing shSmad3 (AdshSmad3); E-G: α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression was examined 28 d after treatment by immunohistochemistry; E: cAd + AdshNC; F: AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshNC; G: AdIGFBPrP1 + AdshSmad3. Data are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 10 per group).