[Effects of antisense oligonucleotides on the expression of connective tissue growth factor gene and on the collagen synthesis in the cultured human keloid fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the pathogenesis of human keloid.

METHODS: Human keloid fibroblasts (HKF) were isolated from human keloid and cultured in vitro. The cells were then divided into 3 groups according to different processing, i.e. ASODN treatment (AT), in which phosphorothioate CTGF antisense oligonucleotides (ASODN) labeled by fluorescent isothiocyananate were transfected into the HKFs by liposome; liposome control (LC, with liposome only); control groups (without liposome or ASODN). The distribution of CTGF ASODN in all groups of cells was observed under fluorescent microscope. The CTGF mRNA index (RI) of HKF was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method (RT-PCR). The collagen synthesis of HKF was assessed by (3)H-proline incorporation method.

RESULTS: A large amount of fluorescence could be observed in the cytoplasm of HKFs in AT 12 hours after transfection, but not in LC and C groups. The CTGF mRNA index of HKF in AT group 48 hours after transfection was significantly lower than that in LC and C groups (0.12 +/- 0.62 vs 0.51 +/- 0.18 vs 0.54 +/- 0.35, P < 0.01). The (3)H-proline incorporation rate in AT group (108.96 +/- 79.05) was lower than that in LC and C groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The expression of CTGF gene and collagen synthesis of the cultured HKF could be inhibited by CTGF ASODN, implying that CTGF played a role in the development of excessive fibrosis of human keloid.