Effects of Sulfotanshinone Sodium on Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 Signaling Pathway in Lung Fibroblasts of Rats

Objective:To study the effects of sulfotanshinone sodium(STS)on transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)signaling pathway in lung fibroblasts of rats,and attempt to investigate its mechanism in prevention the proliferation and the transformation of lung fibroblasts.Methods:Rat lung fibroblasts were cultured in vitro and divided into three groups,blank control group,TGF-β1stimulated group,and combined treatment group which was stimulated with STS and TGF-β1.After treatment for 48hours,the mRNAs level of Smad3,Smad7,and collagen were assayed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results:STS ranged 80-640mg/L had obvious inhibitory effect on lung fibroblasts stimulated by 5μg/L TGF-β1in a dose-dependent manner(P0.05),and 160mg/L STS could down-regulate the mRNA levels of Smad3,Smad3/Smad7,and collagen type Ⅰof TGF-β1stimulated lung fibroblasts(all P 0.05),and could up-regulate the expression of Smad7mRNA(P0.05).Conclusion:STS can restrain the proliferation and transformation of lung fibroblasts,and synthesis of collagen.The mechanisms may be that STS can block TGF-β1Smad signaling pathway and decrease the level of Smad3/Smad7.