-Chalcone inhibits transforming growth factor-β1 and connective tissue growth factor-dependent collagen expression in the heart of high-fat diet-fed rats.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. This study, for the first time, explored the effects of -chalcone on cardiac expressions of myocardial fibrosis-related genes, including transforming growth factor -β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), and collagen type I. Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, received 10% tween 80; chalcone, received -chalcone; HFD, received high-fat diet (HFD) and 10% tween 80; HFD + chalcone, received HFD and -chalcone, by once-daily gavage for 6 weeks. Finally, cardiac expression levels of TGF-β1, CTGF, and collagen type I were determined. HFD feeding increased mRNA levels of collagen type I, TGF-β1, and CTGF in the heart of rats. However, -chalcone inhibited HFD-induced changes. -Chalcone can act as a cardioprotective compound by inhibiting TGF-β1 and CTGF-dependent stimulation of collagen type I synthesis in the heart of HFD-fed rats.