Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Smads Signaling Pathway in Intrauterine Adhesion

Figure 8

A marked increase of TGFβ1 and Smad3 but a decrease of Smad7 (red), suggesting that the imbalance between TGFβ1, Smad3, and Smad7 signaling could be important in the development of the IUA. Inhibitory Smad7 competes with Smad3 for access to the activated TGF-β1, thereby preventing Smad3 and blocking TGF-β1 induced responses in IUA by SIS3 in the experimentally induced rabbit. We consider it unlikely that increased Smad3 expression plays a major role in altered TGF-β1 signaling. However, inhibition of Smad3 and the induction of Smad7 are therefore essential for preventing excessive TGF-β1 stimulation (blue) that enhance reduction of the occurrence of the IUA.