ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To observe the effects of fasudil, a Rho/ROCK signaling pathways inhibitor, on adhesion, migration and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cultured HSCs were divided into 5 groups. Fasudil was added to 4 groups in a concentration of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 micromol/L, respectively. A group without fasudil added served as untreated controls. The adhesive inhibition effect of fasudil on HSCs was examined by toluidine blue colorimetric assay, the inhibition of migration of HSCs was evaluated by a modified Boyden chamber, and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The protein levels of RhoA, p-MLC (Thr18/Ser19) and alpha-SMA were assayed by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fasudil inhibited HSC adhesion, proliferation and LPA-induced migration in a concentration-dependent manner; the protein expressions of alpha-SMA and p-MLC (Thr18/Ser19) were significantly decreased in the presence of fasudil.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fasudil can inhibit HSC adhesion, migration and proliferation by suppressing the cytoskeleton regulation function of Rho/ROCK signaling pathways.</p>