ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway in anti-proliferation effect of PDGF-BB on HSC cells treated with Artesunate

AIM: To investigate the anti-proliferation effect of Artesunate and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 expression in rat hepatic stellate cell stimulated byplatelet derived growth factor-BB,and to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Artesunate against hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: HSC cells were treated with PDGF-BB to induce cell proliferation.Artesunate and PD98059 were added respectively in order to study the relationship between the activity of ERK1/2 and proliferation of HSC cells.The cells were divided into control group,PDGF-BB group,PDGF-BB plus Artesunate group,PDGF-BB plus PD98059 group.The proliferation rates of HSC cells with different treatments were detected by CCK-8.Collagen typeⅠsynthesis was detected by ELISA.Activities of ERK1/2 in HSC cells were determined by Western blotting.RESULTS:PDGF-BB increased the proliferation rate and activity of ERK1/2 in HSC cells.PDGF-BB + Art or PDGF-BB +PD98059 decreased the proliferation rate of HSC cells and activity of ERK1/2 in HSC cells.CONCLUSION: The activity of ERK1/2 is involved in the effect of PDGF-BB on HSC cells.Anti-proliferation effect of Artesunate on HSC cells affected by PDGF-BB is related to the decrease in the activity of ERK1/2.