Simvastatin reduces TGF-β1-induced SMAD2/3-dependent human ventricular fibroblasts differentiation: Role of protein phosphatase activation

This proof-of-concept study using an in vitro experimental cell culture model identifies the protective role of simvastatin against TGF-β1-induced hVF transformation into activated myofibroblasts through activation of protein phosphatase, a novel target that can be therapeutically modulated to curb excessive cardiac fibrosis associated with maladaptive cardiac remodeling.