Suppressive effect of Schisandrin B on TGFβ1-induced NF-κB activation in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract

TGF β1 is involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases through modulating various signaling pathways including NF-κB. Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) extract, which is as an oriental herbal medicine, shows beneficial effects on various vascular diseases that are caused by abnormal TGFβ1 signaling. In this study, I found that S. chinensis extract inhibits TGFβ1-induced NF-κB activation in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Among the active ingredients of S. chinensis extract, Schisandrin B most potently suppressed TGFβ1-induced IKKα/β phosphorylation, IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, and p65 translocation into the nucleus. These pharmacologic actions of Schisandrin B were found to be independent of SMAD signaling. This result may useful to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie TGFβ1-induced NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, this study may help understanding vascular pathogenesis induced by aberrant TGF β1