Ginger Extract Exhibits Systemic Antifibrotic Potential through miR-21-5p and miR-29b Modulation in BALB/c Mice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v21n5.4344Keywords:
Ginger extracts, miR-21-5p, miR-29b, Smad7, Col1a1Abstract
Ginger is rich in various phytochemicals known for their potential antifibrotic properties, largely attributed to their anti-inflammatory effects. Although the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger are well established, the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly those involving microRNAs (miRNAs) at the post-transcriptional level, remain inadequately understood. This study investigated the antifibrotic effects of ginger extract in mice by examining its influence on the modulation of miR-21-5p and miR-29b, along with their respective target genes. The BALB/c mice were allocated into two separate groups at random, with each group consisting of six mice: one serving as the control group and the other as the treatment group. Both groups received standard chow and water; the treatment group was additionally given ginger extract via oral gavage, while the control group received water. Throughout the treatment period, two mice from each group succumbed. The remaining animals were subsequently utilized for downstream analyses. After three weeks, blood samples were collected for miRNA expression analysis. TargetScan was utilized to identify the target genes of both miRNAs, and their expression levels were confirmed through real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Smad7 and Col1a1 were confirmed as target genes of miR-21-5p and miR-29b, respectively. Smad7 is recognized for its antifibrotic role, while Col1a1 is a key marker associated with extracellular matrix formation. RT-qPCR results showed that ginger treatment led to the upregulation of miR‑21‑5p accompanied by increased Smad7 expression, while miR‑29b levels were also elevated, suggesting activation of antifibrotic regulatory pathways. Although changes in Col1a1 expression were less pronounced, the observed modulation of key antifibrotic miRNAs highlights ginger’s potential as a natural modulator of fibrosis‑related pathways and supports further investigation of its therapeutic benefits in fibrotic disorders.
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