Induction of hepatocyte growth factor production in human dermal fibroblasts and their proliferation by the extract of bitter melon pulp

Cyanidin 3-Glucoside Induces Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts through the Activation of β2-Adrenergic Receptor

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed in various organs and involved in the fundamental cellular functions such as mitogenic, motogenic, and morphogenic activities. Induction of HGF may be therapeutically useful for controlling organ regeneration, wound healing, and embryogenesis. In this study, we examined the stimulation effect of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanidin derivative, on HGF production in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and the underlying mechanisms. C3G induced HGF production at both mRNA and protein levels in NHDF cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein. We also observed that treatment with C3G increased intracellular cAMP level and promoter activity of cAMP-response element in HEK293 cells expressing β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂AR). In contrast, cyanidin, an aglycon of C3G, did not show the activation of β₂AR signaling and HGF production. These results indicate that C3G behaves as an agonist for β₂AR signaling to activate the protein kinase A pathway and induce the production of HGF.

Co-electrospun nanofibrous mats loaded with bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) extract as the wound dressing materials: in vitro and in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Interactive dressings are innovatively designed to interact with the wound surface and alter the wound environment to promote wound healing. In the current study, we integrated the physicochemical properties of Poly (caprolactone)/ Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Collagen (PCL/PVA/Col) nanofibers with the biological activities of Momordica charantia pulp extract to develop an efficient wound dressing. The electrospinning method was applied to fabricate the nanofibers, and the prepared wound dressings were thoroughly characterized.

RESULTS

SEM imaging showed that the nanofibers were uniform, straight, without any beds with a diameter in the range of 260 to 480 nm. Increasing the concentration of the extract increased the diameter of the nanofibers and also the wettability characteristics while reduced the ultimate tensile strength from 4.37 ± 0.90 MPa for PCL/PVA/Col to 1.62 ± 0.50 MPa for PCL/PVA/Col/Ex 10% (p < 0.05). The in vivo studies showed that the application of the wound dressings significantly enhanced the healing process and the highest wound closure, 94.01 ± 8.12%, was obtained by PCL/PVA/Col/Ex 10% nanofibers (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of the extract had no significant effects on nanofibers' porosity, water vapor permeability, and swelling characteristics. The in vitro evaluations showed that the fabricated nanofibers were hemocompatible, cytocompatible, and prevent bacterial penetration through the dressing. These findings implied that the PCL/PVA/Col/Ex nanofibers can be applied as the wound dressing materials.

Isoquercitrin, ingredients in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg, inhibits hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-induced tumor cell migration and invasion

Aberrant activation of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) and its receptor, Met, is involved in the development and progression of many human cancers. In the screening assay of extracts from the root tuber of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg, isoquercitrin inhibited HGF/SF-Met signaling as indicated by its inhibitory activity on HGF/SF-induced cell scattering. Further analysis revealed that isoquercitrin specifically inhibited HGF/SF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Met. We also found that isoquercitrin decreased HGF-induced migration and invasion by parental or HGF/SF-transfected bladder carcinoma cell line NBT-II cells. Furthermore, isoquercitrin inhibited HGF/SF-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition in vitro and the invasion/metastasis of HGF/SF-transfected NBT-II cells in vivo. Our data suggest the possible use of isoquercitrin in human cancers associated with dysregulated HGF/SF-Met signaling.