Abstract:
Background: Hypertrophic scar is a fibro-proliferative dis-
ease. Our previous studies demonstrate that compound
Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE) inhibits pro-
liferation and invasion in keloid fibroblasts.
Objective:
To in-
vestigate the effects of CASE on hypertrophic scar. Methods:
Rabbits were divided into the control, model and three dos-
age groups of CASE (0.94, 1.88, 3.76%). An animal model of
hypertrophic scar was established and treated with CASE
ointment or ointment base. The histopathological detection
by hematoxylin & eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining and
protein expression of scars by Western blot were performed.
Results: The hydroxyproline content was decreased under
CASE treatment. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)
protein expression increased in the model group while it de-
creased under CASE treatment. The elevated expression of
Smad4 protein was decreased under CASE treatment. Addi-
tionally, CASE promoted Smad7 protein expression.
Conclusion: CASE could inhibit formation of hypertrophic scar by
modulating TGF-β/Smad signal and may be useful for the
treatment of hyperplastic scars.
