Antifibrotic effects of genistein and quercetin in vitro

AIM To study the antifibrotic effects of genistein (GE) and quercetin (QU) on rat hepatic stellate HSC-T6 cell proliferation stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), collagen synthesis and type I procollagen messenger RNA (mRNA) expression stimulated with transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ 1). METHODS Cell proliferation was measured by crystal violet staining assay. Collagen synthesis was determined by 3H-proline incorporation assay. Type I procollagen mRNA level was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS GE (25-70 μmol·L -1 ) and QU (6 25-50 μmol·L -1 ) concentration-dependently attenuated PDGF-drive HSC-T6 cell proliferative activity. TGFβ 1- stimulated collagen synthesis was also reduced. This was associated with a decrease of type I procollagen mRNA, indicating an effect at a pretranslational level. CONCLUSION GE and QU may have therapeutic potential against liver fibrosis by regulating PDGF and TGFβ 1 actions.