Botulinum toxin type A suppresses pro-fibrotic effects via the JNK signaling pathway in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts

In this study, human scar fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with botulinum toxin type A, and the changes in fibroblast proliferation, migration, and protein expression of pro-fibrotic factors were evaluated with colorimetric, scratch, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blotting, respectively. Botulinum toxin type A treatment decreased the proliferation and migration of human scar fibroblasts compared with those of untreated controls. Protein expression levels of pro-fibrotic factors (transforming growth factor β1, interleukin-6, and connective tissue growth factor) were also inhibited by botulinum toxin type A, whereas the JNK phosphorylation level was increased. Activation of the JNK pathway demonstrated the inhibitory effects of the toxin on human scar fibroblast proliferation and production of pro-fib rotic factors, suggesting that the suppressive effects of botulinum toxin type A are closely associated with JNK phosphorylation. Overall, this study showed that botulinum toxin type A has a suppressive effect on extracellular matrix production and scar-related factors in human scar fibroblasts in v itro, and that regulation of JNK signaling plays an important role in this process. Our results provide a theoretical basis, at the cellular level, for the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin type A.

Source: Archives of Dermatological Research - September 8, 2019 Category: Dermatology Source Type: research