Study on the effect of botulinum toxin A on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTXA) on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and expression of related proteins of human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. Methods The hypertrophic scar was surgically removed and the fibroblasts were isolated and cultured. The effect of different concentrations of BTXA on fibroblasts proliferation was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The apoptosis of fibroblasts after treated with BTXA was observed by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V-FITC/PI) staining. The effect of different concentrations of BTXA on migration of fibroblasts was observed by Transwell. The effect of BTXA on B-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and phospho-focal adhesion kinase (FAKp-Tyr397) was tested by Western blotting. Results The proliferation of fibroblasts could be inhibited by different concentrations of BTXA (0.46±0.02 vs. 0.59±0.02 vs. 0.83±0.01 at 24 h, t=11.230, 13.290, P<0.01), and the inhibitory rate was significantly increased [ (1.49±0.09)% vs. (3.62±0.52)% vs. (6.36±0.49)%, t=6.947, 16.810, P<0.01]. The Western blot assay showed that the expression of bcl-2, CDK4 and FAKp-Tyr397 was significantly decreased (t=31.750, 86.240, 50.770, P<0.01). Conclusion BTXA can inhibit the proliferation and migration, and induce the apoptosis of fibroblasts. It is expected to be used in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar. Key words: Botulinum toxin A; Hypertrophic scar; Fibroblasts; Proliferation; Apoptosis; Migration