Inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids on TGF-β-Smad 3 signalling are activated by tauroursodeoxycholic acid in hepatic stellate cells

Aims: Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has a positive effect on cholestatic liver disease especially with autoimmune aspects, which seems to be enhanced by a combination with locally active corticosteroids. TGF-β-Smad 3 signalling activates hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and promotes the development of liver fibrosis. A TGF-β dimer forms a complex with the type II and type I receptor and transduces the signal via Smads into the cell nucleus. Our recent studies with HSC showed that glucocorticoids and their receptor (GR) interact with the TGF-β-Smad 3 pathway, which leads to an inhibition of TGF-β effects. Aim of…