Effect of chlorogenic acid on hepatic stellate cell proliferation. Generation and degradation of extracelluar matrix

Objective: To investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on hepatic stellate cell proliferation and the expression and secretion of Collagen I, Collagen III. tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Methods: An immortalized rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line was cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into 5 groups: control group; platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (10 ng/mL), PDGF+CGA (12.5 μg/mL), PDGF + CGA (25 μg/mL), PDGF+CGA (50 μg/mL) and CGA (50 μg/mL) group. After 24 hours treatment, the proliferation of HSC was detected by MTT method. The mRNA expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, TIMP-1 and MMP-2 were detected by RT-PCR. The protein levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, TIMP-1 and MMP-2 in the culture supernatant of HSC were measured by ELISA. Results: PDGF increased the hepatic stellate cell proliferation, the mRNA expression and the protein levels of Collagen I, Collagen III and TIMP-1 (P<0. 05), which were significantly decreased by CGA (P<0. 05). However, CGA had no significant influence on the expression of MMP-2. Conclusion: The antifibrotic effect of CGA may be related with the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell proliferation and generation of extracelluar matrix and promotion of extracelluar matrix degradation.