Melatonin influences the biological characteristics of keloid fibroblasts through the Erk and Smad signalling pathways

ABSTRACT: Abstract

Background

Keloids are abnormal fibrous hyperplasias that are difficult to treat. Melatonin can be used to inhibit the development of certain fibrotic diseases but has never been used to treat keloids. We aimed to discover the effects and mechanisms of melatonin in keloid fibroblasts (KFs).

Methods

Flow cytometry, CCK-8 assays, western blotting, wound-healing assays, transwell assays, collagen gel contraction assays and immunofluorescence assays were applied to demonstrate the effects and mechanisms of melatonin in fibroblasts derived from normal skin, hypertrophic scars and keloids. The therapeutic potential of the combination of melatonin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was investigated in KFs.

Results

Melatonin significantly promoted cell apoptosis and inhi

SUBMITTER:  

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9977354 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature