ROCK阻断剂Y27632干预大鼠实验性肝纤维化的分子机制研究

目的观察ROCK阻断剂Y27632对实验性大鼠肝纤维化形成过程中组织病理学、细胞外基质成分及肝星状细胞中RhoA、Vinculin mRNA和RhoA、MLC蛋白质表达的影响,探讨Y27632治疗实验性肝纤维化的分子机制。方法雄性SD大鼠30只,随机分为对照组、模型组和治疗组。模型组和治疗组动物给予60%四氯化碳0.1 mL/100 g皮下注射,2次/周,对照组给予等量的生理盐水皮下注射。治疗组从第4周起给予Y27632口服灌胃(30 mg/Kg),其余两组动物予以等量的生理盐水。于造模后第8周采集静脉血行放免法检测血清中PⅢP和Ⅳ型胶原的含量,取肝组织行组织病理学检查。另取雄性SD大鼠30只分为对照组(n=10)和模型组(n=20),模型组造模方法同前。分离培养肝星状细胞,采用模型组星状细胞充分伸展贴壁时(培养8~10 d)为干预时间,并将模型组进一步分为非干预组和干预组,干预组采用终浓度为50μmol/L的Y27632干预,非干预组加入等量的生理盐水,1 h后观察细胞形态,收集各组细胞以RT-PCR检测RhoA和Vinculin mRNA表达,Western blotting检测RhoA和MLC蛋白的表达。结果与模型组相比,给予Y27632后组织病理学显示治疗组肝纤维化程度明显减轻,血清中PⅢP和Ⅳ型胶原的含量显著下降。细胞学试验显示,非干预组RhoA、Vinculin mRNA和RhoA蛋白的表达较对照组明显增强,给予Y27632干预后表达强度减弱。而对照组大鼠肝组织中MLC蛋白质呈阳性表达,非干预组其表达强度明显下调,给予Y27632后表达强度有所增加。结论 Y27632能有效干预实验性大鼠肝纤维化的形成,其分子机制可能与其调控星状细胞中RhoA和MLC有关。     

Inhibitory effect of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor, on progression of rat liver fibrosis in association with inactivation of hepatic stellate cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a final common pathway of liver fibrosis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the small GTPase Rho is involved in HSCs activation, and that Y-27632, an inhibitor of Rho-kinase which is an effector that acts downstream of Rho, inhibits Rho-associated effects. The objective of the current study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of Y-27632 on the activation of HSCs and the progression of liver fibrosis. METHODS: Y-27632 (1, 10, 100 microM) was added to HSCs isolated from normal rat liver. RESULTS: HSCs maintained the 'star-like' configuration of the quiescent stage in the presence of Y-27632, as well as inhibition of the expression of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger mRNA which was reported to be an indicator of HSCs activation. In addition, when Y-27632 (30 mg/kg body weight) was administered to rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis, collagen deposition was inhibited, the hepatic hydroxyproline content was decreased, and the serum hyaluronic acid level was reduced. Moreover, Y-27632 reduced the number of smooth muscle alpha-actin-positive cells and transforming growth factor-beta1-positive cells, and inhibited the expression of Na/Ca2+ exchanger mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that Y-27632 may be useful for the clinical management of liver fibrosis.     

Melatonin reduces dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats

Increased deposition of the extracellular matrix components, particularly collagen, is a central phenomenon in liver fibrosis. Stellate cells, the central mediators in the pathogenesis of fibrosis are activated by free radicals, and synthesize collagen. Melatonin is a potent physiological scavenger of hydroxyl radicals. Melatonin has also been shown to be involved in the inhibitory regulation of collagen content in tissues. At present, no effective treatment of liver fibrosis is available for clinical use. We aimed to test the effects of melatonin on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver damage in rats. Wistar albino rats were injected with DMN intraperitoneally. Following a single dose of 40 mg/kg DMN, either saline (DMN) or 100 mg/kg daily melatonin was administered for 14 days. In other rats, physiologic saline or melatonin were injected for 14 days, following a single injection of saline as control. Hepatic fibrotic changes were evaluated biochemically by measuring tissue hydroxyproline levels and histopathogical examination. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, and glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated in blood and tissue homogenates. DMN caused hepatic fibrotic changes, whereas melatonin suppressed these changes in five of 14 rats (P < 0.05). DMN administration resulted in increased hydroxyproline and MDA levels, and decreased GSH and SOD levels, whereas melatonin reversed these effects. When melatonin was administered alone, no significant changes in biochemical parameters were noted. In conclusion, the present study suggests that melatonin functions as a potent fibrosuppressant and antioxidant, and may be a therapeutic choice.     

Morphological and serum hyaluronic acid, laminin and type Ⅳ collagen changes in dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis of rats

AIM: To study the morphological and serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and type Ⅳ collagen changes in hepatic fibrosis of rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN).METHODS: The rat model of liver fibrosis was induced by DMN. Serum HA, type Ⅳ collagen, and LN were measured by ELISA. The liver/weight index and morphological changes were examined under electron microscope on d 7, 14, 21, and 28 by immunohistochemical alpha smooth muscle actin α-SMA staining as well as Sirius-red and HE staining.RESUJLTS: The levels of serum HA, type Ⅳ collagen and LN significantly increased from d 7 to d 28 (P = 0.043).The liver/weight index increased on d 7 and decreased on d 28. In the model group, the rat liver stained with HE and Sirius-red showed evident hemorrhage and necrosis in the central vein of hepatic 10 lobules on d 7. Thin fibrotic septa were formed joining central areas of the liver on d 14. The number of α-SMA positive cells was markedly increased in the model group. Transitional hepatic stellate cells were observed under electron microscope.All rats in the model group showed micronodular fibrosis in the hepatic parenchyma and a network of α-SMA positive cells. Typical myofibroblasts were embedded in the core of a fibrous septum. Compared to the control group, the area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis and pathologic grading were significantly different in the model group (P＜0.05) on different d (7, 14, and 28). The area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis in hepatic tissue had a positive correlation with the levels of serum HA, LN, and type Ⅳ collagen.CONCLUSION: The morphological and serum HA, type Ⅳ collagen, and LN are changed in DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats.     

Morphological and serum hyaluronic acid, laminin and type IV collagen changes in dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis of rats

AIM: To study the morphological and serum hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and type IV collagen changes in hepatic fibrosis of rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). METHODS: The rat model of liver fibrosis was induced by DMN. Serum HA, type IV collagen, and LN were measured by ELISA. The liver/weight index and morphological changes were examined under electron microscope on d 7, 14, 21, and 28 by immunohistochemical alpha smooth muscle actin alpha-SMA staining as well as Sirius-red and HE staining. RESULTS: The levels of serum HA, type IV collagen and LN significantly increased from d 7 to d 28 (P = 0.043). The liver/weight index increased on d 7 and decreased on d 28. In the model group, the rat liver stained with HE and Sirius-red showed evident hemorrhage and necrosis in the central vein of hepatic 10 lobules on d 7. Thin fibrotic septa were formed joining central areas of the liver on d 14. The number of alpha-SMA positive cells was markedly increased in the model group. Transitional hepatic stellate cells were observed under electron microscope. All rats in the model group showed micronodular fibrosis in the hepatic parenchyma and a network of alpha-SMA positive cells. Typical myofibroblasts were embedded in the core of a fibrous septum. Compared to the control group, the area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis and pathologic grading were significantly different in the model group (P<0.05) on different d (7, 14, and 28). The area-density percentage of collagen fibrosis in hepatic tissue had a positive correlation with the levels of serum HA, LN, and type IV collagen. CONCLUSION: The morphological and serum HA, type IV collagen, and LN are changed in DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats.     

A p160ROCK-specific inhibitor, Y-27632, attenuates rat hepatic stellate cell growth

BACKGROUND/AIMS: p160ROCK, a serine/threonine protein kinase, is a direct RhoA target mediating RhoA-induced assembly of focal adhesions and stress fibers. Recently, Rho signaling pathways were reported to play an important role in the activation of rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of a p160ROCK-specific inhibitor, Y-27632, on cultured rat HSC. METHODS: HSC were isolated from normal rat livers and cultured on fibronectin-coated dishes. The cell morphology and actin cytoskeleton were studied with phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Immunoblot analysis was used to examine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins. HSC proliferation was measured by quantitating the percentage of cells that exhibited nuclear incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine. Type I collagen gene expression and accumulation in HSC culture media were evaluated by Northern blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RESULTS: Y-27632 consistently blocked cell spreading and suppressed RhoA-induced formation of stress fibers in HSC. In addition, Y-27632 inhibited phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Cells treated with Y-27632 failed to proliferate, in contrast to untreated spread cells. This shape-dependent block in cell proliferation correlated with a failure to increase cyclin D1 protein level and to down-regulate the cell cycle inhibitor p27. Y-27632 decreased type I collagen gene expression and accumulation in HSC culture media. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that p160ROCK-mediated actin stress fiber assembly is involved in the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrogenesis and suggest that inhibitors of the RhoA-ROCK pathway might be useful therapeutically in liver fibrogenesis.     

Expression of type I and type III collagens during the course of dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

ABSTRACT— Aims/Background: We wished to clarify the mechanisms that account for the increase in hepatic collagen accumulation during hepatic fibrosis. Methods: The gene expression of type I and type III procollagens and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) was measured by Northern blot analysis; immunolocalization of both types of collagen was estimated by indirect immunohistochemical assay; and the hepatic content of collagen and malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, were assayed in hepatic fibrosis induced in rats with a single dose of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). Results: During the experimental period, more type I procollagen mRNA was found than type III procollagen mRNA. The immunoreactive intensity of type I collagen was greater in necrotic areas near central veins 3 days after DMN treatment than it was on day 9, whereas the type III collagen immunodeposition for the latter period of the hepatic fibrosis was stronger than it was on day 3. As compared with controls, hepatic collagen content increased significantly after 3 days and continued, increasing gradually, as did type I and III procollagen mRNA levels. On day 14, fibrosis was greatest and both types of procollagen gene expression were at their highest, and type I and III procollagen mRNA levels and hepatic collagen content increased as the dosage of DMN was raised. MMP-1 mRNA levels increased early in hepatic fibrogenesis, and increased on day 14 when DMN dosages were low. Hepatic MDA levels increased rapidly for 3 days after DMN treatment, remaining significantly higher than control values and showing a significant increase even in response to low DMN doses on day 14. Conclusions: Our results suggested that fibrotic liver collagen content may make its first notable increase due in part to the balance between type I collagen and MMP-1 expression rates. Also, lipid peroxidation may be important in the mechanism of hepatofibrogenesis.     

Y-27632预处理对心肌缺血再灌注损伤过程中d凋亡的影响研究

目的：探讨Rho激酶抑制剂Y-27623对心肌缺血再灌注损伤(MIRI)中细胞凋亡的影响,以及对丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（Mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK）和凋亡相关蛋白表达水平的变化和意义。方法：成年雄性SD大鼠60只, 随机分为4组（n=15）:正常对照组(Sham组) 、缺血再灌注组(ischemia-reperfusion即I/R组) 、Dil组( diltiazem即地尔硫卓组)、Y-27632组。Dil组每日给予地尔硫卓(10mg/kg)灌胃, Y-27632组每日给予Y-27632（5mg/kg）,其余两组给予等体积清水。给药五天后Sham组只穿线,不结扎冠状动脉左前降支,I/R组、Dil组和Y-27632组建立MIRI模型。TUNEL法检测各组心肌凋亡,计算心肌细胞凋亡指数(AI),western blotting 法检测心肌组织中MAPK信号传导途径相关蛋白（p-JNK/ERK/P38）和凋亡相关蛋白（Bcl-2、Bax、Caspase-3和Caspase-9）的表达。结果：相对于Sham组,I/R组AI明显增加（P<0.01）,MAPK信号传导途径和心肌促凋亡相关蛋白（Bax、Caspase-3和Caspase-9）表达显著增加（均为P<0.05）,心肌抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达显著减少（P<0.05）;相对于I/R组,Y-27632治疗组AI明显下降（P<0.01）,与Dil治疗组没有显著差异(P>0.05),Y-27632治疗组MAPK信号传导途径相关蛋白和Bax、Caspase-3和Caspase-9表达均显著降低（P<0.05）,Bcl-2表达显著增加（P<0.05）,与Dil治疗组没有显著差异(P>0.05)。结论：Y-27632通过抑制JNK/ERK/P38的磷酸化,抑制Bax、Caspase-3和Caspase-9的表达,加强Bcl-2的表达,来减少心肌细胞的凋亡,从而减轻心肌缺血再灌注损伤。     

在二甲基亚硝胺诱导大鼠肝纤维化时铁超载和脂肪堆积的作用

目的:探讨铁超载和脂肪堆积在二甲基亚硝胺(Dimethylnitrosamine,DMN)诱导的肝纤维化大鼠组织病理学变化中的作用.方法:模型组大鼠(n=30)腹腔注射DMN,10μl*kg-1*d-1,每周连续3日,共4周.模型A、B组大鼠分别于注射DMN完毕后的第1日、第21日处死.对照组大鼠(n=10)腹腔注射等体积生理盐水.各组大鼠肝组织分别予HE染色、Masson染色及普鲁士蓝染色,电镜下观察.结果:伴随着胶原生成的铁沉积于肝小叶是腹腔注射DMN完毕后的第1日、第21日肝组织的显著特点.但肝细胞脂肪堆积仅仅发生在腹腔注射DMN完毕后的第21日.结论:铁超载和脂肪堆积可能在DMN诱导的大鼠肝纤维化病理变化中发挥重要作用,其具体机制有待进一步研究.     

Smad7 prevents activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Numerous studies implicate transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling in liver fibrogenesis. To perturb the TGF-beta pathway during this process, we overexpressed Smad7, an intracellular antagonist of TGF-beta signaling, in vivo and in primary-cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: Ligation of the common bile duct (BDL) was used to induce liver fibrosis in rats. Animals received injections of an adenovirus carrying Smad7 cDNA into the portal vein during surgery and via the tail vein at later stages. The effect of Smad7 on TGF-beta signaling and activation of HSC was further analyzed in primary-cultured cells. RESULTS: Smad7-overexpressing BDL rats displayed reduced collagen and alpha-SMA expression and reduced hydroxyproline content in the liver, when compared with animals administered AdLacZ. Such a beneficial effect was also observed when Smad7 was expressed in animals with established fibrosis. Accordingly, Smad7 arrested transdifferentiation of primary-cultured HSCs. AdSmad7 infected cells remained in a quiescent stage and retained storage of vitamin A droplets. Smad7 expression totally blocked TGF-beta signal transduction, shown by inhibiting Smad2/3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of activated Smad complexes, and activation of (CAGA)(9)-MLP-Luc, resulting in decreased collagen I expression. Smad7 also abrogated TGF-beta-dependent proliferation inhibition of HSC. Smad7 did not decrease expression of alpha-SMA, but immunofluorescent staining with anti alpha-SMA antibodies displayed destruction of the fibrillar organization of the actin cytoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, gene transfer of Smad7 inhibits experimental fibrogenesis in vivo. Studies with isolated HSC suggest that the underlying mechanisms involve inhibition of TGF-beta signaling and HSC transdifferentiation.     

Suppressive effects of estradiol on dimethylnitrosamine-induced fibrosis of the liver in rats

As a model for the analysis of the fibrosuppressive role of estradiol, hepatic fibrosis was induced in male and female rats by the administration of a single dose of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). The fibrotic response of the male liver after DMN treatment was significantly stronger than that of the female liver. In the male DMN model, estradiol reduced hepatic mRNA for type I and III procollagens and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), as well as deposition of type I and III collagen protein total hepatic collagen and malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation. Concomitant administration of a neutralizing antibody against rat estradiol enhanced fibrogenesis, as judged by the same parameters. Ovariectomy in the female model had a fibrogenic effect, inducing the hepatic expression of both types of procollagen and TIMP-1; in addition, the number of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)-positive cells in the liver increased; estradiol replacement was fibrosuppressive in the castrated-female model. In rat hepatic stellate cells incubated in primary culture with estradiol, cell number, type I collagen production, and alpha-SMA expression were all reduced. These findings suggest that estradiol suppressed the induction of hepatic fibrosis, and may in part underlie the more rapid progression in males of hepatic fibrosis and its complications.     

熊胆粉对二甲基亚硝胺诱发大鼠肝纤维化的抑制作用

目的:探讨熊胆粉对二甲基亚硝胺(dimethylnitrosamine,DMN)诱发大鼠肝纤维化的抑制作用.方法:将30只大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组及熊胆组,每组各10只.用10g/LDMN腹腔注射诱发大鼠肝纤维化模型,用400mg/kg熊胆粉灌胃共4wk,检测血清AST、ALT值和总蛋白(TP)含量.肝组织做HE、直接红染色,观察肝组织的病理变化,并检测肝组织内胶原纤维的面密度.免疫组化采用SP法,利用单克隆抗体ED1和α-SMA观察库普弗细胞(Kupffercell,KC)和肝星状细胞(hepaticsatellitecell,HSC)的数量及分布.结果:熊胆组与模型组比较血清ALT值下降,AST值明显下降(4370.87±1338.60nkat/Lvs5741.15±1000.20nkat/L,P<0.05),TP升高,肝/体质量比增加,胶原纤维的面密度明显下降(6.73±1.31vs9.90±1.93,P<0.01).熊胆组肝组织病理变化较模型组轻,纤维间隔变细、或消失,形成弥漫性肝硬化的少.KC和HSC在增生的纤维组织及间隔内分布,熊胆组两种细胞的数量明显减少.结论:熊胆粉具有较好的抑制DMN诱发大鼠肝纤维化的作用,其机制可能与抑制KC,减少细胞因子的分泌,从而抑制HSC的激活和转化,减少胶原纤维合成和分泌有关.     

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor attenuates hepatic fibrosis via suppression of activated hepatic stellate cell in rats

Background

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4-I) is clinically used as a new oral antidiabetic agent. Although DPP4 is reportedly associated with the progression of chronic liver diseases, the effect of DPP4-I on liver fibrosis development is still obscure. This study was designed to elucidate the effect of DPP4-I on liver fibrosis development in conjunction with the activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac-HSCs).

Methods

The antifibrotic effect of DPP4-I was assessed in vivo and in vitro using porcine serum-induced experimental liver fibrosis model. DPP4-I, sitagliptin, at a clinically comparable low dose was administered by gavage daily.

Results

DPP4-I significantly attenuated liver fibrosis development along with the suppression of hepatic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, total collagen, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in a dose-dependent manner. These suppressive effects occurred almost concurrently with the attenuation of HSCs activation. Our in vitro studies showed that DPP4-I inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-BB-mediated proliferation of the Ac-HSCs as well as upregulation of TGF-β1 and α1(I)-procollagen at magnitudes similar to those of the in vivo studies. The inhibitory effects of DPP4-I against HSCs proliferation and fibrogenic gene expression are mediated through the inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Smad2/3, respectively.

Conclusions

DPP4-I markedly inhibits liver fibrosis development in rats via suppression of HSCs proliferation and collagen synthesis. These suppressive effects are associated with dephosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Smad2/3 in the HSCs. Since DPP4-I is widely used in clinical practice, this drug may represent a potential new therapeutic strategy against liver fibrosis in the near future.     

Taurine inhibits oxidative damage and prevents fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of taurine on hepatic fibrogenesis and in isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS: The rats of the hepatic damage (HD) group were administered carbon tetracholoride (CCl4) for 5 weeks and a subgroup received, in addition, a 2% taurine containing diet for 6 weeks (HDT). The HSC were isolated from normal rats and cultured for 4 days. RESULTS: The hepatic taurine concentration was decreased in the HD group. This loss and the hepatic histological damage and fibrosis (particularly in the pericentral region), were reduced following taurine treatment. Furthermore, the hepatic alpha-SMA, lipid hydroperoxide and 8-OHdG levels in serum and liver, as well as hepatic TGF-beta1 mRNA and hydroxyproline levels were significantly increased in the HD group, and most of these parameters were significantly reduced following taurine treatment. In contrast to the MAP-kinase and Akt expressions, which remained unchanged, the lipid hydroperoxide and hydroxyproline concentrations, as well as TGF-beta1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced by taurine in activated HSC. CONCLUSIONS: Oral taurine administration enhances hepatic taurine accumulation, reduces oxidative stress and prevents progression of hepatic fibrosis in CCl4-induced HD rats, as well as inhibits transformation of the HSC.     

Overexpression of thioredoxin prevents thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thioredoxin is a small redox-active protein with anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. We have previously reported that thioacetamide-induced acute hepatitis was attenuated in thioredoxin transgenic mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of thioredoxin for hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: We subjected thioredoxin transgenic mice to thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis. We also studied the effect of thioredoxin on the activation process of primary-cultured hepatic stellate cell. RESULTS: The expression of endogenous thioredoxin was induced in hepatocytes of thioacetamide-induced murine and rat fibrotic livers. Overexpression of thioredoxin inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Thioacetamide-induced fibrosis and accumulation of malondialdehyde were suppressed in transgenic mice as compared with wild type mice. Hepatic stellate cells isolated from transgenic mice were less proliferative than those isolated from wild type mice. Recombinant thioredoxin significantly inhibited DNA synthesis of primary-cultured stellate cells under serum or platelet-derived growth factor stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Thioredoxin has a potential to attenuate hepatic fibrosis via suppressing oxidative stress and inhibiting proliferation of stellate cells.     

Dietary olive oil prevents carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

Aim  

The specific purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary olive oil on hepatic fibrosis induced by chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in the mouse. In addition, the effects of oleic acid, a major component of olive oil, on activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were investigated in vitro.     

A novel selective 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitor prevents human adipogenesis

Glucocorticoid excess increases fat mass, preferentially within omental depots; yet circulating cortisol concentrations are normal in most patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). At a pre-receptor level, 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) activates cortisol from cortisone locally within adipose tissue, and inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 in liver and adipose tissue has been proposed as a novel therapy to treat MS by reducing hepatic glucose output and adiposity. Using a transformed human subcutaneous preadipocyte cell line (Chub-S7) and human primary preadipocytes, we have defined the role of glucocorticoids and 11beta-HSD1 in regulating adipose tissue differentiation. Human cells were differentiated with 1.0 microM cortisol (F), or cortisone (E) with or without 100 nM of a highly selective 11beta-HSD1 inhibitor PF-877423. 11beta-HSD1 mRNA expression increased across adipocyte differentiation (P<0.001, n=4), which was paralleled by an increase in 11beta-HSD1 oxo-reductase activity (from nil on day 0 to 5.9+/-1.9 pmol/mg per h on day 16, P<0.01, n=7). Cortisone enhanced adipocyte differentiation; fatty acid-binding protein 4 expression increased 312-fold (P<0.001) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 47-fold (P<0.001) versus controls. This was abolished by co-incubation with PF-877423. In addition, cellular lipid content decreased significantly. These findings were confirmed in the primary cultures of human subcutaneous preadipocytes. The increase in 11beta-HSD1 mRNA expression and activity is essential for the induction of human adipogenesis. Blocking adipogenesis with a novel and specific 11beta-HSD1 inhibitor may represent a novel approach to treat obesity in patients with MS.