Abstract
Objective: To investigate the impact of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-β (PDGF-BB) and its receptor (PDGF-βR) in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods: A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, TGF-β1 siRNA treatment group, and negative control group. All rats except those in the normal control group were given subcutaneous injection of 40% carbon tetrachloride to establish a rat model of hepatic fibrosis. The rats in the negative control group and the TGF-β1 siRNA treatment group were given tail vein injection of negative control plasmid or TGF-β1 siRNA plasmid twice a week at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg, and those in the normal control group and the model group were given the injection of sterile isotonic saline twice a week. The rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks and liver tissue samples were collected. Real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were used to measure the expression of PDGF-BB, PDGF-βR, and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance, the q test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis based on data type. Results: Compared with the model group and the negative control group, the TGF-β1 siRNA treatment group had significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expression of PDGF-BB and PDGF-βR (F = 24.785 and 22.92, P < 0.01), as well as significantly inhibited expression of p-ERK1/2 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Targeted TGF-β1 siRNA can effectively downregulate the expression of PDGF-BB, PDGF-βR, and p-ERK1/2 in liver tissue and thus help to improve hepatic fibrosis.