Experimental cell research
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Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an essential event in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. HSCs are believed to be the major source of collagen-producing myofibroblasts in fibrotic livers. A key feature in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is fibrillar Collagen I (Col 1) deposition. ⋯ Finally, miR-129-5p level was decreased in fibrotic liver of human, and reduced by rOPN treatment. In contrast, miR-129-5p was induced in HSCs transfected by OPN siRNA. These data suggested that OPN induces Col 1 expression via suppression of miR-129-5p in HSCs.