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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Fabrication of Micro-tissues using Modules of Collagen Gel Containing Cells
Published on: December 13, 2010
Silybin Modulates Collagen Turnover in an In Vitro Model of NASH
Beatrice Anfuso1, Pablo J Giraudi2, Claudio Tiribelli3
1Fondazione Italiana Fegato, ONLUS, AREA Science Park Basovizza SS 14 km 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy. b.anfuso@fegato.it.
Abstract:
Silybin has been proposed as a treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we assessed the effect of Silybin in a well-established in vitro coculture model of early-stage NASH. LX2 and Huh7 cells were exposed to free fatty acid (FFA) and Silybin as mono- or coculture (SCC). Cell viability, LX2 activation, collagen deposition, metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2-9) activity, and ROS generation were determined at 24, 96, and 144 h. Exposure to FFA induced the activation of LX2 as shown by the increase in cell viability and upregulation of collagen biosynthesis. Interestingly, while cotreatment with Silybin did not affect collagen production in LX2, a significant reduction was observed in SCC. MMP2-9 activity was reduced in FFA-treated Huh7 and SCC and cotreatment with Silybin induced a dose-dependent increase, while no effect was observed in LX2. Silybin also showed antioxidant properties by reducing the FFA-induced production of ROS in all the cell systems. Based on these data, Silybin exerts its beneficial effects by reducing LX2 proliferation and ROS generation. Moreover, MMP2-9 modulation in hepatocytes represents the driving mechanism for the net reduction of collagen in this NASH in vitro model, highlighting the importance of hepatic cells interplay in NASH development and resolution.
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