Effects of genistein on expression of TGF-beta1 and intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in fibroblasts derived from human hypertrophic scar / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Genistein on TGF-beta1 expression and the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts, and to discuss the mechanism of the anti-fibrosis effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fibroblasts were derived from human hypertrophic scar tissue and cultured in vitro. Genistein in different concentrations (25, 50, 100 micromol/L) was administrated to the fibroblasts, respectively. After 48 hours of co-culture, the expression of TGF-beta1 mRNA and protein were examined by RT-PCR and Western-Blot assay respectively. The intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts pretreated by Genistein was determined by laser confocal scanning microscopy with or without the stimulation of bFGF.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Genistein inhibited the expression of TGF-beta1 in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts on a concentration-dependent manner. bFGF significantly elevated the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, however its stimulating effect was remarkably alleviated when the fibroblasts were pre-treated by Genistein.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Genistein can reduce the expression of TGF-beta1 and block the accumulation of intracellular free calcium induced by growth factors. It maybe one of the possible mechanisms of Genistein's antifibrosis effect.</p>