Abstract:

Objective   To investigate the mechanism and effects of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)  on the proliferation and collagen synthesis in cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Methods   Cultured CFs from neonatal Wistar rats were isolated by trypsinization and treated with recombinant human TWEAK (rhTWEAK) and PDTC(NF-κB specific inhibitor). mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB and MMP9 were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. CFs proliferation was examined by MTT. Results   rhTWEAK significantly elevated mRNA and protein expressions of NF-κB and MMP9. PDTC could inhibit MMP9 protein expression and CFs proliferation induced by NF-κB′s activation. Conclusion   TWEAK can promote expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in rat cardiac fibroblasts via the NF-κB pathway.

Key words:  TWEAK； Cardiac fibroblasts； NF-κB； MMP9； Myocardial fibrosis