Smad7 inhibits TGF-β1-induced MCP-1 upregulation through a MAPK/p38 pathway in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells

Purpose The TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway is subject to inhibition by Smad7. High expression of Smad7 in the peritoneum of rats can delay and attenuate not only peritoneal fibrosis, but also monocyte infiltration into the peritoneum. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Smad7 in peritoneal fibrosis.