The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been considered one of the major events in hepatic fibrosis. Amygdalin has been used to treat cancers and alleviate pain; however, its role and mechanism in HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis remain unclear. In the present study, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) stimulated the activation of HSCs, as indicated by significantly increased alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), desmin, collagen I, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) protein levels. Amygdalin treatment dramatically suppressed TGF-beta 1-induced HSC ...
