Identification of paraxanthine as the most potent caffeine-derived inhibitor of connective tissue growth factor expression in liver parenchymal cells

Aims: Recently, we identified hepatocytes as the major cellular source of profibrogenic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in the liver. Based on reports of a hepatoprotective effect of coffee consumption, we were the first to give evidence that caffeine suppresses TGF-β dependent and -independent CTGF expression in hepatocytes, thus suggesting this xanthine-alkaloid as a potentially therapeutic agent. Aim: This study aims at comparing the inhibitory capacities of caffeine and its three demethylated derivates paraxanthine, theophylline and theobromine on hepatocellular CTGF expression. Results: Our data…