The semisynthetic plant alkaloid halofuginone (HAL) was reported to prevent and partly
reverse experimental liver fibrosis. However, its mechanisms of action are poorly
understood. We therefore aimed to determine the antifibrotic potential of HAL and to
characterize involved signal transduction pathways in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results
were compared with its in vivo effects in a rat model of reversal of established liver fibrosis
induced by thioacetamide. In vitro HAL inhibited HSC proliferation and migration dose …