[Effects of Panax notoginseng on the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts in human hypertrophic scar in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effects of Panax notoginseng on the transdifferentiation of the cultured human fibroblasts from hypertrophic scar in vitro, and explore its anti-fibrosis mechanism.


METHODS
The fibroblasts from human hypertrophic scar were cultured in vitro. Different amount of Panax notoginseng was added into the medium, respectively (400 microg/ml and 800 microg/ml). A culture without addition of the drug served as control. The fibroblast-populated collagen lattice method was used to detect the gel contraction, and contraction ratio was calculated. The immunocytochemistry staining method was used to detect the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. The flow cytometry method was used to detect the positive rate of alpha-smooth muscle actin.


RESULTS
The contraction degree of the fibroblasts after PNS administration was ameliorated at each time-point, with contraction index lower than that of controls (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Scattered distribution of alpha-SMA positive granules were observed in the cytoplasma, and the positive rate of alpha-SMA expression in 400 microg/ml (31.52%) and 800 microg/ml (24.28%) PNS groups were obviously lower than that in control group (45.74%, P < 0.05). The staining intensity of positive cells in 400 microg/ml and 800 microg/ml PNS groups was also obviously lower than that in control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Panax notoginseng can inhibit the transdifferentiation of the cultured human fibroblasts from hypertrophic scar, and it exhibits an anti-fibrosis effect on hypertrophic scar in vitro.
Yao
Heng
H
Department of Plastic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, PR China.
Li
Shi-Rong
SR
Liu
Jian-Yi
JY
Li
Zhe
Z
Wu
Jun
J
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D054338:Cell Transdifferentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000473:pathology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D036145:Ginsenosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D053723:Panax notoginseng / Q000737:chemistry*; D014945:Wound Healing
D036145:Ginsenosides