TGFβ-IN-2 (Compound 9d) effectively inhibits the accumulation of total collagen induced by TGF-β in NRK-49F cells, with an IC 50 value of 4.31 μM. It also suppresses the in vitro protein expression of COL1A1, α-SMA, and p-Smad3, which are induced by TGF-β. Additionally, TGFβ-IN-2 shows promise as a potential anti-fibrosis compound for in vivo applications through oral administration [1].
Nur77 modulator 3 (9e) binds to Nur77 and inhibits TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and COLA1 expression in a Nur77-dependent manner. It induces Nur77 expression and enhances autophagic flux by inhibiting the mTORC1 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Nur77 modulator 3 blocks the progression of hepatic fibrosis [1].
C18 dihydro Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid and precursor in the de novo synthesis of C18 ceramide that lacks the 4,5-trans double bond. [1] Increased C18 dihydroceramide lipid levels lead to increased triacylglycerol storage and autophagosome accumulation as well as upregulation of the fibrosis markers α-SMA and FGF2 in Chang and LX-2 liver cells. C18 dihydro Ceramide is elevated in the plasma of pre-diabetics up to 9 years prior to the onset of type 2 diabetes. [2] It is also elevated in the skin of patients with lesional atopic dermatitis.[3]
(Rac)-Indoximod (1-Methyl-DL-tryptophan) is a potent inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Combined treatment with IFN-γ and (Rac)-Indoximod significantly suppresses the activity of α-SMA-expressing human cardiac myofibroblasts (hCMs) and promotes apoptosis by up-regulating the genes IRF-1, Fas, and FasL. Moreover, this co-treatment effectively improves cardiac fibrosis[1].