Modulation of collagen type I, fibronectin and dermal fibroblast function and activity, in systemic sclerosis by the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate

The results suggest that the antioxidant, EGCG, can reduce ECM production, the fibrotic marker CTGF and inhibit contraction of dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients. Furthermore, EGCG was able to suppress intracellular ROS, ERK1/2 kinase signalling and NF-κB activity. Taken together, EGCG may be a possible candidate for therapeutic treatment aimed at reducing both oxidant stress and the fibrotic effects associated with SSc.