Genistein modifies liver fibrosis and improves liver function by inducing uPA expression and proteolytic activity in CCl4-treated rats.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of genistein on the fibrosis and matrix degradation caused by experimentally induced fibrosis in rats.

Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was brought about by chronic administration of carbon tetrachloride to rats. To evaluate the effect of genistein on liver fibrosis and function, total collagen content and proteolytic activity in the liver were quantified.