Nuclear factor κB in proliferation, activation, and apoptosis in rat hepatic stellate cells (original) (raw)

BackgrounrVAims: Activation of the transcription factor NFlcB has been demonstrated in activated hepatic stellate cells (I-ISCs). We investigated the role of NFKB in proliferation, in activation, and in TNFainduced apoptosis of HSCs. Methods: NFKB activation was inhibited using an adenovirus expressing an IKB dominant negative protein (AdSIrcB) in both quiescent and activated HSCs. Quiescent HSCs were infected with Ad5hB or an adenovirus expressing Bgalactosidase (AdSLacZ). The cells were cultured for 7 days. HSCs activation was determined by cell morphology, smooth muscle a-actin (a-sma) expression, and steady-state mRNA levels of al(I) collagen as assessed by Western blot and RNase protection assay, respectively. Proliferation was determined in culture-activated HSCs by 3H-thymidine incorporation and direct cell counting. Apoptosis was analyzed by infecting quiescent or activated HSCs with AdSIrcB or AdSLacZ, and then treating with TNFa. Apoptosis was demonstrated by I?