# Mechanistic Insights Into GDFMD-Mediated Inhibition of Liver Fibrosis via miRNA-29b-3p Upregulation in Wilson's Disease

## TL;DR

This study explores how a traditional Chinese medicine called GDFMD helps reduce liver fibrosis in Wilson's disease by boosting a specific microRNA.

## Contribution

The study identifies miRNA-29b-3p upregulation as a novel mechanism through which GDFMD inhibits liver fibrosis in Wilson's disease.

## Key findings

- GDFMD reduces liver fibrosis markers in Wilson's disease patients.
- GDFMD increases miRNA-29b-3p levels, which counteracts TGF-β1 effects.
- miRNA-29b-3p upregulation by GDFMD inhibits HSC transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts.

## Abstract

Background: Wilson's disease (WD) is an abnormal copper metabolism disease. GanDouFuMu decoction (GDFMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine, whicn has shown good therapeutic effects in clinical treatment of WD liver fibrosis;but its regulatory mechanism is still unclear.

Methods: The serum of WD patients before and after GDFMD treatment were collected, the four items of liver fibrosis were detected by ELISA. The hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activities were assesed via CCK8 assay. The mRNA levels were evaluated by qPCR. The protein levels were checked by western blot. The autophygosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The transdifferentiation ability of HSCs into myofibroblasts was evaluated with anti-α-SMA antibody by immunofluorescence (IF). In copper-laden rats with WD, the autophagy levels, and fibrosis level were observed by IF.

Results: The four items of liver fibrosis levels were decreased. GDFMD could increase the HSCs cell activity. GDFMD could increase miRNA-29b-3p levels, which was decreased by TGF-β1. miRNA-29b-3p inhibitors could reversed the suppression response of GDFMD on the the protein expression of ULK1, beclin1, LC3, α-SMA, and Col1. GDFMD blocked the transdifferentiation of HSCs into myofibroblasts, inhibited liver fibrosis.

Conclusion: GDFMD blocked the transdifferentiation of HSCs into myofibroblasts by upregulating miRNA-29b-3p, and then inhibited liver fibrosis in WD.