Objective: To investigate the effect of P6(<6 kDa) on activation

proliferation and hepatofibrosis-related genes in rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)

in order to explore the mechanism of anti-hepatofibrosis effect. Method: Dialysis was applied to get P6. Cell counting Kit 8 (CCK8) was performed to evaluate cell viability and P6 effect on HSC-T6 proliferation. The mRNA expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)

collagen type I (Col I)

tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were determined by Real-time PCR. Protein expressions of α-SMA and Col I were assessed by Western blot. Result: Compared with control group

P6 did not significantly affect cell viability

but suppressed TGF-β-induced HSC-T6 proliferation (P<0.05). Compared with TGF-β group

mRNA expressions of α-SMA

Col I and TIMP-1 were significantly decreased by P6 in TGF-β-induced HSC-T6

while MMP-2 mRNA expression was markedly increased (P<0.05

P<0.01)

α-SMA and Col I protein expressions were also decreased obviously. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that P6 had an anti-hepatofibrosis effect by inhibiting HSC-T6 activation and proliferation induced by TGF-β

reducing production and accelerating degradation of ECM.