Abstract
Hypertrophic scarring, a common proliferative disorder of dermal fibroblasts, results from an overproduction of fibroblasts and excessive deposition of collagen. Although treatment with surgical excision or steroid hormones can modify the symptoms, numerous treatment-related complications have been described. In view of this, we investigated the therapeutic effects of essential oil (EO) from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae) on formed hypertrophic scars in a rabbit ear model. EO was prepared as a liposomal formulation (liposome-enveloped essential oil, LEO) and a rabbit ear model with hypertrophic scars was established. LEO (2.5, 5, and 10%) was applied once daily to the scars for 28 days. On postoperative day 56, the scar tissue was excised for masson's trichrome staining, detection of fibroblast apoptosis, assays of the levels of collagens I and III, and analysis of the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), caspase-3 and -9, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). In addition, the scar elevation index (SEI) was also determined. As a result, LEO treatment significantly alleviated formed hypertrophic scars on rabbit ears. The levels of TGF-β1, MMP-1, collagen I, and collagen III were evidently decreased, and caspase -3 and -9 levels and apoptosis cells were markedly increased in the scar tissue. SEI was also significantly reduced. Histological findings exhibited significant amelioration of the collagen tissue. These results suggest that LEO possesses the favorable therapeutic effects on formed hypertrophic scars in the rabbit ear model and may be an effective cure for human hypertrophic scars.
Highlights
Hypertrophic scarring generally occurs following surgery, trauma and especially burns, which is a common proliferative disorder of dermal fibroblasts and results from an overproduction of collagen and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix [1]
Liposome-eneloped EO (LEO) inhibits the formation of collagen I and collagen III Collagens, including collagen I and collagen III, are the most important ingredients of extracellular matrix (ECM)
MRNA levels of MMP1, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1), caspase-3 and caspase-9 MMP1 and TGF-b1 play important roles in the formation of scars. Their mRNA expression levels significantly ascended in the control group in comparison with the normal group, but markedly decreased in the groups treated with the doses of 2.5, 5, and 10% LEO for 28 days (Figue 2A and 2B)
Summary
Hypertrophic scarring generally occurs following surgery, trauma and especially burns, which is a common proliferative disorder of dermal fibroblasts and results from an overproduction of collagen and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix [1]. When a deep wound or an exuberant scar occurs, there are many preventive and therapeutic measures such as silicone, pressure therapy, corticosteroids, laser therapy, cryotherapy, radiation, surgery, and some new methods developed such as interferon and 5-fluorouracil. There is no consensus about the best treatment to produce complete and permanent improvement of scars with few side effects [4,5]. Natural drugs have been generally recognized to play a unique therapeutic role in the treatment of many diseases [6,7,8,9]. Essential oils from many plant species have become especially popular in recent years, and investigations into their bioactivities and mechanisms of action have been performed for human health [10,11]
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