Abstract: To observe MMP2 gene expression and the effect of angiotensin Ⅱ tape 1 receptor blocker valsartan on hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine in rats.Except rats in control group, all were given intraperitoneal injections of 1% dimethylnitrosamine (DMN lml/kg、three or two consecutive days/a week for 6 weeks) , From the first day of the intraperitoneal injection, rats in treatment groups were given valsartan for 8 weeks by gastric lavage.Liver tissue and blood samples of all rats were examined on 56 days (8 weeks) .Hepatic mRNA levels of MMP2 evaluated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) .Valsartan significantly attenuated the degree of liver fibrosis.Gene expression of MMP2 mRNA was upregulated in DMN treated rats compared with normal rats.Valsartan downregulated the elevation of the mRNA levels (P<0.01) .Valsartan can retard the progression of hepatic fibrosis and downregulated the MMP2 mRNA level.