NAC deactivaties PSC by interfering with TGFß1 induced MAPK signaling

Aims: Progressive fibrosis is a characteristic feature of chronic pancreatitis of various etiologies. Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are the effector cells of pancreatic fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms leading to PSC activation are currently under investigation. No effective treatment to inhibit pancreatic fibrosis has been identified up to now. However, recently we were able to demonstrate a deactivation of activated PSC by culturing the cells on a layer of matrigel and concomitant treatment with N-Acetylcysteine. In this study we analysed how this effect is mediated. Methods: Immortalized human p…