Fluorofenidone inhibits TGF-β1 induced CTGF via MAPK pathways in mouse mesangial cells

Objectives: The development of novel antifibrotic agent candidates for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. The present study was designed to investigate the potential mechanism of fluorofenidone involving the downregulation of CTGF expression induced by TGF-β1 and the related signaling pathway in mouse mesangial cells (MMCs). Methods: Mouse mesangial cells were applied to explore the involvement of MAPK in TGF-β1 signal pathway to CTGF, and the regulation of fluorofenidone. The activation of three major members of MAPK, including ERK1/2, P38 and JNK was detected by Western blot; the expression of CTGF was investigated by real time PCR and Western blot. Results: Fluorofenidone significantly reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, P38 and JNK induced by TGF-β1. Fluorofenidone, PD98059 and SB203580 could partially inhibit TGF-β1-induced expression of CTGF in mouse mesangial cells, however, JNK inhibitor II had no effect. Conclusions: The antifibrotic effects of fluorofenidone are suggested to be mediated by its actions through inhibition of MAPK activation and consequent reduction of CTGF expression.