Modulation of Extracellular Matrix by Scrophularia striata Extract in Vitro: A Potential Antiscarring Agent

Abstract

Background: Hypertrophic scars are the consequences of the aberration of normal wound healing. To date, therapeutic strategies for abnormal scarring have been unsuccessful. ‎‏The abnormal extracellular‎ matrix is one of the most important contributing factors to ‎hypertrophic scars. ‏Scrophularia striata has been used in Iranian folk medicine for the treatment of burn wounds. ‏The plant extract accelerates wound healing and attenuates scar formation. Objectives: The study was performed to investigate the effects of Scrophularia striata hydroalcoholic extract (SSE) on MMP1, MMP8, fibronectin, collagen type І, and total collagen produced by human skin fibroblasts in the culture medium. Methods: The effects of SSE on the expression of MMP1, MMP8, fibronectin, and collagen type І in human skin fibroblast (HSF) were evaluated using Q-PCR and Western blotting methods. In addition, the effect of SSE on the total collagen content was measured in cultured HSF using Red Sirius Kit. Results: SSE significantly induced the expression of MMP1 and suppressed the production of fibronectin at the mRNA and protein levels. The total collagen content was significantly lower in SSE-treated cells than in untreated cells. SSE did not have any significant effect on MMP8 and collagen type І expression. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that SSE could modulate the extracellular matrix turnover and had the potential for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Scrophularia Striata Attenuates Hypertrophic Scar, Suppresses Collagen Synthesis, and Stimulates MMP2 and 9 Gene Expression in Rabbit Ear Model

“…In this study, we evaluated the effects of topical and intralesional injection of S. striata on MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression, and our results revealed that topical, but not intralesional, injection of SSE stimulated MMP2 and MMP9 expression in scar tissue samples. Our previous study also showed that SSE stimulates MMP1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in cultured fibroblasts [ 15 ]. The role of MMP2 and MMP9 in scarless wound healing has been demonstrated in a study by Dang et al (2003) [ 26 ], in which scarless fetal wound healing was associated with an increase in the MMPs to tissue-derived MMP inhibitor ratio.…”

“…The wound healing effects of S. striata have been evaluated in human and animal models of ulcers and burns [ 10 , 14 ]. Based on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as the modulatory effects of SSE on ECM [ 15 ], in this study, we investigated the effects of S. striata in the prevention and treatment of HSs in a rabbit ear model of HSs.…”

Evaluation of Synergistic Antibacterial Effect of Combined Scrophularia striata Extract and Antibiotics Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin -Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

“…The plant was dried and grounded to a fine powder. The plant hydroalcoholic (ethanol/distilled water 7/3 v/v) extract was prepared by using maceration method (24) .…”