Naringenin attenuates fibroblast activation and inflammatory response in a mechanical stretch-induced hypertrophic scar mouse model

The pathogenesis and therapy of hypertrophic scars (HS) have not yet been established. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effect of naringenin on HS and its underlying mechanisms. The mouse model of HS was prepared by a mechanical stretch device and then treated with naringenin at various concentrations. Histological studies were performed to evaluate scar hypertrophy by hematoxylin and eosin, as well as Masson's trichrome staining. The activation of HS fibroblasts was determined based on reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Following observing the retention of inflammation cells by immunohistochemistry, the cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, mRNA and protein levels were quantitated by RT-qPCR, ELISA and western blotting methods. As a result, naringenin significantly inhibited the formation of HS in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, naringenin inhibited fibroblast activation and inflammatory cell recruitment. In addition, mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1 were downregulated following naringenin treatment. The current study highlighted a new pharmacological activity of naringenin on HS. The mechanism of action of naringenin was associated with the inhibition of fibroblast activation and local inflammation. These results suggested that naringenin may serve as a novel agent for treatment of HS.