Protective effects of Schisandrin on high glucose-induced changes of RhoA and eNOS activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Schisandrin, derived from the Chinese medicinal herb Schisandra chinensis, has been found to confer protective effects on circulation systems. But the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high level of glucose on RhoA and eNOS activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) and how Schisandrin plays a role in mediating these effects.

Knockdown of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Inhibits Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Background: Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is a positive regulator of tumorigenesis and a valuable prognostic marker of a diverse array of cancers, including liver cancer; however, the relationship between AEG-1 and hepatic fibrogenesis is not known.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the expression of AEG-1 during hepatic fibrogenesis and determine how AEG-1 regulates the profibrogenic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).

Methods: The levels of AEG-1 were monitored in the fibrotic livers and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)- or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HSCs.