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

Abstract

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 MMP9 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.