Abstract
Keloids occur only in humans and are characterized by fibroblast overproduction of collagen types I and III. Keloid fibroblasts have been shown to make elevated levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a growth factor known to promote extracellular matrix production and fibrosis. Thus, the pathophysiology underlying keloid formation may be driven by the biological activity of TGF-β. Tamoxifen, a synthetic, nonsteroidal antiestrogen has been shown to inhibit keloid fibroblast proliferation and decrease collagen production. The purpose of this study was to determine if a mechanism by which tamoxifen decreases keloid collagen production is through a downregulation of TGF-β. Through a luciferase TGF-β bioassay we found that 4 μM of tamoxifen generated a 49% reduction in total TGF-β activity and 8 μM generated an 85% reduction compared with controls. Thus we propose that one of the mechanisms by which tamoxifen decreases keloid fibroblast collagen synthesis is by decreasing TGF-β production.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 490-493 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Annals of plastic surgery |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1998 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery