Metformin attenuates motility, contraction, and fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells in vivo and in vitro by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

Figure 4 Effect of metformin on hepatic stellate cell contraction. Collagen gels were prepared in 24-well plates. A: HSCs were seeded on the collagen gel with or without PDGF-BB (10 ng/mL) and metformin (1, 5, and 10 mmol/L); B: Metformin was changed to AICAR (500 μmol/L), LY294002 (20 μmol/L), and PD98059 (10 μmol/L); C and D: After incubation for 24 h, the areas of the collagen gel were measured for analysis. (^bP < 0.01 vs the control group, ^cP < 0.05 and ^dP < 0.01 vs the PDGF-BB only group). HSCs: Hepatic stellate cells.