Objective To observe the effects of genistein on the transdifferentiation of the cultured human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and to explore the mechanism of the anti-fibrosis by genistein.  Methods Human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts were cultured in presence of genistein (25

50

and 100 μmol/L respectively). The rate of α-SMA-positive cells was measured with flow cytometry and the expression of α-SMA protein was detected by Western blotting. The fibroblasts in 3D gel culture were established and their contraction was measured 24

48

and 72 h after genistein treatment.  Results After the treatment with genistein

the rate of α-SMA-positive cells and the expression of α-SMA protein were significantly decreased (P0.05)

especially when treated with 50 and 100 μmol/L genistein (P0.01). In fibroblasts in 3D gel culture

the control cells kept contracting. The contraction of the experimental cells was weakened after genistein treatment in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner.  Conclusion Genistein can inhibit the transdifferentiation of the cultured human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts to myofibroblasts

which may be one of the important anti-fibrosis mechanisms.