Figure 6.

Curcumin reduced the trans-activation activity of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Semi-confluent HSCs were transiently transfected with the SREBP activity luciferase reporter plasmid p6x-SRE-Luc, containing six repeats of SRE (ATCACCCCAC) derived from the ldlr promoter. After recovery, cells were treated with curcumin as shown for 24 h. Luciferase assays were performed. Luciferase activities were expressed as relative units after β-galactosidase normalization (means ± standard deviation; n≥ 6). *P < 0.05 versus cells with no treatment. The inset denoted the p6x-SRE-Luc construct in use and the application of curcumin to the system.