The results revealed that fibrosis-associated proteins, such as collagen I, collagen III, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), were strongly induced in rat hearts of the MI group, whereas they were significantly suppressed by losartan and PFD administration (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; Figs 6 and 7). This evidence concerns the gene ACTA1 and myocardial infarction.