Apigenin decreases expression of the myofibroblast phenotype.
We investigated the effect of the dietary flavonoid apigenin on myofibroblast function. We report that in myofibroblasts treated with apigenin, proliferation and basal levels of alpha1(I) collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNAs were markedly reduced. Apigenin also attenuated the transforming growth factor-beta-stimulated increases of alpha1(I) collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNAs. Characterization of the apigenin effects indicates that apigenin reduces both the stability of the alpha1(I) collagen mRNA and the rate of transcription of the alpha1(I) collagen gene through a cycloheximide-sensitive pathway. Western blot analyses indicate that Akt activity is reduced in apigenin-treated myofibroblasts.
Ricupero
D A
DA
Pulmonary Center, Boston University School of Medicine and the Boston VA Medical Center, 02118, Boston, MA 02118, USA. ricupero@bu.edu
Poliks
C F
CF
Rishikof
D C
DC
Kuang
P P
PP
Goldstein
R H
RH
D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics; D047310:Apigenin; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000235:genetics; D003609:Dactinomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D010641:Phenotype; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology
D000199:Actins; D005419:Flavonoids; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D003609:Dactinomycin; D047310:Apigenin; D003094:Collagen