Dermal fibroblast-associated gene induction by asiaticoside shown in vitro by DNA microarray analysis

BACKGROUND: Asiaticoside, isolated from Centella asiatica, promotes fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in wound healing. The precise mechanism, however, in molecular and gene expression levels is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: Using cDNA microarray technology, the alteration of gene expression profiles was determined for human dermal fibroblasts in vitro in the presence of asiaticoside (30 microg mL(-1)). Fifty-four genes, with known functions for cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and synthesis of ECM, were significantly upregulated in our 'genome-nest' expression profile at various time points. Furthermore, the mRNA levels and protein production of certain genes responsible for ECM synthesis (e.g. encoding type I and type III collagen proteins) were evaluated by Northern blot and radioimmunoassay, respectively. RESULTS: We found that there is a close correlation between the gene profile, mRNA and protein production in the response of the cells to asiaticoside stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: This information could be used for exploring the response of the target genes to asiaticoside in fibroblasts.