[Effects of heparin on the growth, extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression in rat hepatic stellate cells].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of heparin on the growth, extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene expression in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC).


METHODS
Activated HSC was treated by heparin or fetal calf serum without heparin. The cell growth was evaluated by actual cell count and BrdU-labelled immunocytochemical stain. The gene expressions of type I and IV procollagen, fibronectin, MMP-2 and membrane type matrix metalloproteinase (MT-MMP) were investigated by immunocytochemical stain and digoxigenin-labeled in situ hybridization technique, respectively. In addition, the gelatinase activity of MMP-2 was examined by zymography.


RESULTS
Heparin could obviously reduce HSC growth, inhibit the synthesis of type I procollagen and fibronectin protein, and the gene expressions of type I procollagen, fibronectin and MT-MMP. The expressions of type IV procollagen, MMP-2 and MMP-2 activity were not affected by heparin.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that heparin can inhibit HSC proliferation, down-regulate interstitial collagen synthesis and inhibit MT-MMP gene expression.
Li
W
W
Department of Pathology, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Zhang
J
J
Huang
G
G
Zhu
H
H
Zhang
X
X
Zhang
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000235:genetics*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D000925:Anticoagulants; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006493:Heparin; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2