Salvianolic acid B inhibits the progression of liver fibrosis in rats via modulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway

Tao,Shanjun; Duan,Renjie; Xu,Tong; Hong,Jiao; Gu,Wenjie; Lin,Aiqin; Lian,Likai; Huang,Haoyu; Lu,Jiangtao; Li,Tiechen

doi:10.3892/etm.2021.11039

Salvianolic acid B inhibits the progression of liver fibrosis in rats via modulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway

Authors:
- Shanjun Tao
- Renjie Duan
- Tong Xu
- Jiao Hong
- Wenjie Gu
- Aiqin Lin
- Likai Lian
- Haoyu Huang
- Jiangtao Lu
- Tiechen Li
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Affiliations: Department of Medical Biology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
Published online on: December 6, 2021 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.11039
Article Number: 116
Copyright: © Tao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) has previously reported anti‑hepatic fibrosis effects, though it is not clear if it can inhibit hepatic fibrosis by regulating the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. The aim of the present study was to explore the roles and mechanism of Sal B in preventing and treating liver fibrosis in rats. The study also aimed to determine the role of the Hh signaling pathway in this process. A rat model of liver fibrosis was induced through the subcutaneous injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride, followed by treatment with Sal B. After gavage, blood was collected to detect serum markers of liver injury. The degree of liver fibrosis and tissue damage was assessed using histopathological analysis. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression levels of TGF‑β1 and Hh signaling pathway‑related genes, including Sonic hedgehog (Shh) protein, membrane protein receptor protein patched homolog 1 (Ptch1), membrane protein receptor Smoothened (Smo) and transcription factor glioma‑associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1). Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels were increased, whilst levels of albumin were decreased in rats with liver fibrosis that were treated with Sal B (P<0.05). Additionally, significant increases in TGF‑β1, Shh, Ptch1, Smo, Gli1 and α‑smooth muscle actin expression levels were observed in the liver tissues of rats with hepatic fibrosis (P<0.05). However, Sal B treatment significantly reduced the expression levels of these proteins (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that the Hh signaling pathway may be activated during the process of rat liver fibrosis. Thus, Sal B may exert its anti‑hepatic fibrosis effects, at least in part, by inhibiting the activation of the Hh signaling pathway.

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