Apigenin decreases expression of the myofibroblast phenotype

We investigated the effect of the dietary flavonoid apigenin on myofibrobla st function. We report that in myofibroblasts treated with apigenin, prolif eration and basal levels of alpha1(1) collagen and alpha -smooth muscle act in mRNAs were markedly reduced. Apigenin also attenuated the transforming g rowth factor-beta -stimulated increases of alpha1(1) collagen and alpha -sm ooth muscle actin mRNAs. Characterization of the apigenin effects indicates that apigenin reduces both the stability of the alpha1(1) collagen mRNA, a nd the rate of transcription of the alpha1(1) collagen gene through a cyclo heximide-sensitive pathway. Western blot analyses indicate that Akt activit y is reduced in apigenin-treated myofibroblasts. (C) 2001 Federation of Eur opean Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.