Influence of Glucocorticoids on TGF-β-Smad Signaling in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells

Aims: The plasma level of corticosteroids in patients suffer from liver fibrosis is elevated as a result of reduced steroid catabolism. TGF- β signaling activates hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and promotes the development of liver fibrosis. Recent studies indicate that glucocorticoids and their receptors seem to antagonize TGF- β effects by interacting with the TGF- β-Smad pathway. However the underlying mechanisms that mediate corticosteroid-TGF- β-interaction in HSC have not been clarified. Methods: We studied the influence of glucocorticoids on the TGF- β signaling and vice versa the influence of TGF- β on glu…