Tamoxifen downregulates TGF-β production in keloid fibroblasts

Dorothy Chau, John S. Mancoll, Steve Lee, Jiangang Zhao, Linda G. Phillips, George K. Gittes, Michael T. Longaker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)490-493
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of plastic surgery
Volume40
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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