Biota orientalis induces cell proliferation through growth factor receptor expression in human dermal fibroblasts

Abstract

The dried seeds of Biota orientalis are considered to be moistening and brightening one’s complexion. Ancient Chinese and Korean herbal textbook also reference it as a treatment of skin disorders like alopecia, scabies and tinea. However, no study has looked at the possible mechanism and molecular rationale of healing potential of B. orientalis. This study investigated the effects of a water extract of seeds from B. orientalis on human dermal fibroblasts (Hs68) and its mechanism related to wound healing. The effect of B. orientalis seed extract on Hs68 cell viability was investigated using the MTT assay. Gene expression analysis was performed using a microarray from Hs68 cells. The identities of the genes with altered expression after B. orientalis extract treatment were verified by RT-PCR. Western blot was used to explore the functional mechanism of cell proliferation. B. orientalis seed extract promoted Hs68 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, to a level of 138 % of control at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Microarray analysis indicated that B. orientalis seed extract upregulated the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, especially those involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase and transforming growth factor-β signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1. B. orientalis also caused the upregulation of TGFBR1, FGFR1 protein expression as shown by Western blotting assay. B. orientalis seed extract effectively stimulated cell proliferation in human dermal cells and may be useful for promoting wound healing.