Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine (동의생리병리학회지)

The Physiological Society of Korean Medicine and The Society of Pathology in Korean Medicine (대한동의생리학회·한의병리학회)
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Therapeutic Potential of Silymarin in Inhibiting the Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition in Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts

  • Ha-Ram Kang (Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Su-Bin Lim (Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Cho-Long Kim (Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jung-Soon Mo (Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Su Jung Park (Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Han-Sol Jeong (Division of Applied Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
  • Received : 2023.06.15
  • Accepted : 2023.07.05
  • Published : 2023.08.25
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Abstract

Renal fibrosis (RF) is a prominent pathological feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, resulting in progressive renal function loss. The fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) plays a pivotal role in renal fibrosis pathogenesis, driving aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and disruption of tissue architecture. Targeting FMT has emerged as a promising strategy to combat renal fibrosis and preserve kidney function. Silymarin, a flavonoid extract derived from Silybum marianum seeds, has gained attention for its therapeutic potential, particularly in liver diseases, due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects on FMT remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of silymarin in inhibiting FMT in NRK-49F renal interstitial fibroblasts. Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1) plays a crucial role in promoting FMT through the activation of intracellular signaling pathways and induction of key fibrotic markers, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin. Silymarin demonstrated significant downregulation of FMT markers, including α-SMA and vimentin, in TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-49F cells. Our findings highlight silymarin as a promising therapeutic candidate for mitigating renal fibrosis and managing CKD.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by a 2-Year Research Grant of Pusan National University.

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