Effect of genistein and quercetin on proliferation, collagen synthesis, and type I procollagen mRNA levels of rat hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To study the effects of genistein ( GE) and quercetin (QU) on proliferation, collagen synthesis, and procollagen messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 cells. METHODS: Cell proliferation was measured by crystal violet staining assay. Collagen synthesis was determined by [H-3]proline incorporation assay. Type I mRNA level was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: GE (25 - 70 mu mol/L) and QU (6.25 - 50 mu mol/L) concentration-dependently reduced serum-driven HSC-T6 cell proliferation and collagen synthesis associated with a suppression of type I procollagen mRNA level. CONCLUSION: GE and QU inhibited hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen synthesis that might have a protective role against liver fibrosis.