Fasudil prevents liver fibrosis <i>via</i> activating natural killer cells and suppressing hepatic stellate cells
Qiuju Han, Yongliang Mu, Huajun Zhao, Rongrong Zhao, Quanjuan Guo, Yuhang Su, Jian Zhang
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fasudil, as a Ras homology family member A (RhoA) kinase inhibitor, is used to improve brain microcirculation and promote nerve regeneration clinically. Increasing evidence shows that Rho-kinase inhibition could improve liver fibrosis. AIM: To evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of Fasudil in a mouse model of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA). METHODS: . RESULTS: . Furthermore, Fasudil directly promoted the apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by decreasing α-SMA and TGF-β1. CONCLUSION: Fasudil inhibits liver fibrosis by activating NK cells and blocking hepatic stellate cell activation, thereby providing a feasible solution for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.