Naringenin inhibits proliferation, invasion and collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of naringenin (Nar) on the proliferation, migration and collagen synthesis of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) . Methods KFs were divided into control group and Nar group treated with Nar at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 µmol/L, and the effects of Nar on the proliferation of KFs were analyzed using CCK- 8 assay. Western blot was performed to detect the effects of Nar on the expression levels of Col-1, FN, α-SMA, and MMP9, and the expression levels of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 in KFs pretreated with TGF-β1. Results Compared with the control group, the proliferation ability of KFs was significantly inhibited by Nar at a concentration of ≥50 µmol /L (P <0. 05) . Similarly, the migration ability of KFs was significantly inhibited by 50 µmol/L of Nar (P <0. 01) . Nar down-regulated the expression levels of Col-1, FN, α-SMA and MMPP proteins in KFs, and p-Smad2/3 proteins in TGF-β1-treated KFs (all P < 0. 05). Conclusion Nar may inhibit the proliferation, migration and collagen synthesis of KFs by down-regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]