Anti-fibrotic effects of L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid via modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in rats.

In Hee Kim, Dae-Ghon Kim, Peipei Hao, Yunpeng Wang, Seong Hun Kim, Sang Wook Kim, Seung Ok Lee, Soo Teik Lee

Index: BMB Rep. 45(6) , 348-53, (2012)

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Abstract

L-2-Oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) is a cysteine prodrug that maintains glutathione in tissues. The present study was designed to investigate anti-fibrotic and anti-oxidative effects of OTC via modulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in an in vivo thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis model. Treatment with OTC (80 or 160 mg/kg) improved serum liver function parameters and significantly ameliorated liver fibrosis. The OTC treatment groups exhibited significantly lower expression of α-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β 1, and collagen α 1 mRNA than that in the TAA model group. Furthermore, the OTC treatment groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic malondialdehyde level compared to that in the TAA model group. Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 expression increased significantly in the OTC treatment groups compared with that in the TAA model group. Taken together, these results suggest that OTC restores the anti- oxidative system by upregulating Nrf2; thus, ameliorating liver injury and a fibrotic reaction.