Previous chronic exogenous glucocorticoid administration in vivo does not affect functional characteristics and cellular lifespan of human skin fibroblasts in vitro

Abstract

Excess of glucocorticoids (GCs) has been reported to lead to skin atrophy and impaired wound healing. The present study investigates whether human skin fibroblasts suffer permanent damages due to a long-term exposure to GC excess. Fibroblasts obtained from patients being under GC treatment for periods over one year were cultured under standard conditions in vitro, and studied regarding pivotal parameters involved in skin homeostasis and aging, i.e. collagen production, cell proliferation, and cellular replicative lifespan. No statistical differences were observed regarding these functions compared to those of normal human skin fibroblasts. Furthermore, no differences between normal and patient-derived cells were observed regarding their sensitivity to a supra-physiological cortisol concentration. In conclusion, the prolonged exposure of human skin fibroblasts in vivo to high concentrations of exogenously-administered GC does not lead to persistent adverse effects on their physiology.

Role of neuropeptides, neurotrophins, and neurohormones in skin wound healing

“…showed a reduction in skin wound healing resistance during the first postoperative week in the treated mice . However, it seems that this impairment in wound healing upon GC treatment is not due to persistent adverse effects of GCs on fibroblast physiology (cell proliferation, cellular replicative lifespan, and collagen production) . Anyway, GC including cortisol contributes to incomplete granulation tissue formation and impaired wound contraction.…”

Animal models of wound repair: Are they cutting it?

“…We do note that transgenic models of premature ageing with healing defects are also available . Interestingly, long‐term glucocorticoid use in human patients in vivo , which causes skin changes similar to those during ageing, does not confer altered reparative potential in vitro . Ageing models possess an advantage over diabetic models in that they will be relevant to multiple chronic ulcer types (where age is a common risk factor) Fig.…”

Biphasic Dose–Response and Hormetic Effects of Stress Hormone Hydrocortisone on Telomerase-Immortalized Human Bone Marrow Stem Cells In Vitro

“…Similar wound healing reduction effects of HC on cells in vitro have also been reported earlier for CS cells, which otherwise have a longer life span despite being constantly exposed to a high-level HC conditions in vivo. 9,12…”

“…9,10 These data suggest that prior exposure to elevated GC concentrations is not associated with persisting adverse effects on fibroblasts and may also have a beneficial outcome in some aspects of cell physiology, including longevity in vitro. 11,12 Similarly, positive and physiologically beneficial effects of cortisol (2.5 μmol/L) in suppressing some aspects of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in human fibroblasts have been reported. 13…”