Clinical study of modified photodynamic therapy combined with Taohong Siwu Decoction in treating hypertrophic scar after severe burn

Cepharantine prevents hypertrophic scarring by regulating the TGF-β/SMAD pathway

Hypertrophic scarring (HS) is a fibrotic skin disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to symptoms such as pain, itching, and skin contraction. HS can also result in restricted joint mobility and cosmetic deformities, imposing psychological and economic burdens on patients. Additionally, it increases wound care costs, and currently, no ideal treatment options exist. Therefore, HS is not only a clinical care issue but also a societal problem, with significant challenges related to its management and prevention. In this study, a custom-made cepharanthine ointment was applied to a rabbit ear scar model to investigate its effects on morphology, histology, and protein expression in HS. Additionally, the mechanism underlying the effect of cepharanthine on affected fibroblasts and the expression of ECM proteins was explored in vitro models of fibrosis. Animal experiments demonstrated that cepharanthine significantly reduced the tissue scar hypertrophy index and collagen content, improved the arrangement of fibroblasts, and inhibited ECM production. Cellular experiments indicated that cepharanthine effectively downregulated key proteins in the TGF-β/SMAD pathway, decreased ECM protein expression, and suppressed fibroblast proliferation and migration. Cepharanthine can prevent HS by reducing ECM deposition through the TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway.

Molecular mechanisms underlying Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction treating hyperpigmentation based on network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization analysis, and experimental verification

CONTEXT

Hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition marked by excessive melanin production, currently has limited effective treatment options.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the effects of Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (THSWD) on hyperpigmentation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We employed network pharmacology, Mendelian randomization, and molecular docking to identify THSWD's hub targets and mechanisms against hyperpigmentation. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay determined suitable THSWD treatment concentrations for PIG1 cells. These cells were exposed to graded concentrations of THSWD-containing serum (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and treated with α-MSH (100 nM) to induce an in vitro hyperpigmentation model. Assessments included melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

ALB, IL6, and MAPK3 emerged as primary targets, while quercetin, apigenin, and luteolin were the core active ingredients. The CCK-8 assay indicated that concentrations between 2.5% and 20% were suitable for PIG1 cells, with a 50% cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) of 32.14%. THSWD treatment significantly reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-induced PIG1 cells, along with downregulating MC1R and MITF expression. THSWD increased ALB and p-MAPK3/MAPK3 levels and decreased IL6 expression in the model cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

THSWD mitigates hyperpigmentation by targeting ALB, IL6, and MAPK3. This study paves the way for clinical applications of THSWD as a novel treatment for hyperpigmentation and offers new targeted therapeutic strategies.