Objective: 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 b1 (TGFb1). 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 mmolL-1) and QU (6.25~50 mmolL-1) concentration-dependently attenuated PDGF-driven HSC-T6 cell proliferative activity. TGFb1-stimulated collagen synthesis was also reduced. This was associated with a decrease in type I procollagen mRNA expression, indicating an effect at a pretranslational level. Conclusion: GE and QU may have therapeutic potential against liver fibrosis by regulating PDGF and TGFb1 actions.
