[Effect of Capparis spinosa on fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production in progressive systemic sclerosis].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of ethanolic extract from Capparis spinosa (ECS) on the fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production in normal and progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS).

METHOD: Cellular activity was determined by the MTT method. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V-stained cells. The expression levels of type I collagen messenger RNA and protein were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis.

RESULT: ECS could significantly inhibit the proliferation of fibroblast and reduced the expression of alpha2 (I) collagen mRNA and type I collagen protein in PSS in a dose-and time-dependent manner. ECS did not affect the proliferation of fibroblast and expression of type I collagen mRNA and protein in normal human. ECS could counteract the harmful effects on fibroblast by H2O2.

CONCLUSION

ECS can effectively inhibit the fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production in PSS.