Abstract:Objective To investigate the effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) on the expressions of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in the process of fibroblast differentiation. Methods Rats were instilled with silica through trachea to establish silicotic models. The rats were divided into 4-week control group, 4-week silicosis group, 8-week control group, 8-week silicosis group,Ac-SDKP treatment group and Ac-SDKP pre-treatment group. Myofibroblasts induced by TGF-β1 were pretreated with TCS HDAC6 20b, the specific inhibitor of Ac-SDKP and HDAC6. Routine HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology. The expressions of α-SMA, collagen I, HDAC6 and HSP90 were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results The expressions of HDAC6 and HSP90 were increased in the silicotic nodules of the rat lungs; upon the treatment or pre-treatment with Ac-SDKP, the expressions of collagen I, α-SMA, HDAC6 and HSP90 were decreased. TGF-β1 induced the α-SMA expression in rat fibroblasts and up-regulated the expressions of HDAC6 and HSP90; moreover, pre-treatment with Ac-SDKP or TCS HDAC6 20b inhibited the TGF-β1-induced expressions of these factors. Conclusions Ac-SDKP inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition, which is related with regulation of HDAC6 and HSP90.