Silibinin Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Human Hepatic Stellate LX-2 Cells

Background: Proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play pivotal role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis consequent to chronic liver injury. Silibinin (SBN), a flavonoid compound, has shown to possess cell cycle arresting potential against many actively proliferating cancers cell lines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and cell cycle arresting properties of SBN in rapidly proliferating human hepatic stellate LX-2 cell line. Methods: LX-2 cells were fed with culture medium supplemented with different concentrations of SBN (10, 50 and 100 mM). After 24 and 96 h of treatment, total cell number was determined by counting. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion test. The expression profile of cMyc and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-g (PPAR-g) protein expressions was evaluated by Western blotting. Oxidative stress marker genes profile was quantified using qPCR. The migratory response of HSCs was observed by scrape wound healing assay. Results: SBN treatments significantly inhibit the LX-2 cell proliferation (without affecting its viability) in dose dependent manner. This treatment also retards the migration of LX-2 cells toward injured area. In Western blotting studies SBN treatment up regulated the protein expressions of PPAR-g and inhibited cMyc. Conclusion: The present study shows that SBN retards the proliferation, activation and migration of LX-2 cells without inducing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. The profound effects could be due to cell cycle arresting potential of SBN.