Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Diethyldithiocarbamate-Induced Pancreatic Fibrosis in Rats(Pharmacology)

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Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea extracts, is known to have anti-fibrotic properties in many organs. The aim of present study was to investigate effects of EGCG on rat pancreatic fibrosis induced by diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC). Oral gavages of different dose of EGCG (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks) ameliorated histological changes and significantly suppressed collagen deposition in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, administration of EGCG inhibited overexpression of TGF-β and α-smooth muscle actin (a symbol of activation of pancreatic stellate cells). Moreover, EGCG has a potent influence on expression of Smads (downstream transcription factor of TGF-β_1). EGCG suppressed the expression of Smad3 and enhanced the expression of Smad7. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that EGCG attenuated rat pancreatic fibrosis induced by DDC and therefore may be an anti-fibrogenic candidate in the pancreatic fibrosis.
2007-06-01