The role of ERK and Smad2 signal pathways in the alternatively activated macrophages induced by TGF-β1 and high-ambient glucose

Macrophages can be alternatively activated by TGF-β1 and high-ambient glucose, in which the role of Smad2 and the crosstalk between ERK and Smad2 pathways are not fully understood. The activation of ERK and Smad2 pathways and the expression of arginase-1 were detected by Western blot. The role of Smad2 and the relationship between ERK and Smad2 pathways were investigated by using biochemical inhibitors. The protein of arginase-1 was significantly overexpressed in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by TGF-β1 and high-ambient glucose, which can be partially blocked by not only U0126 (ERK inhibitor) but also SB431542 (Smad2 inhibitor). Furthermore, simply inhibiting one pathway had no effect on the other pathway. In conclusion, both ERK and Smad2 signal pathways are involved in the activation of macrophages induced by TGF-β1 and high-ambient glucose, while there is no crosstalk shown in the process.