The effect of tunicamycin on Fas protein expression and its function in fibroblasts from hypertrophic scar and keloid

Objective To detect the effect of tanicamycin on Fas protein expression and Fas monoclanal antibedy(FasMcAb)-induced apoptosis of fibroblast from hypertrophic scar and keloid. Methods The expression of Fas protein was detected by immunostaining in 5 cases of keloid, 5 cases of hypertrophic scar and 5 cases of normal skin as control. The fibroblasts were cultured and treated with tunieamycin. The Fas protein expression and the fibroblast apoptosis rate were assessed by Western Blot and flow cytometry. Results It revealed that Fas protein was detectable in all the three groups. The Fas glycosylation level was highest in hypertrophic scar, but lowest in normal skin. The FasMcAb-induced apoptosis had a positive relationship with the Fas glycosylation. Tunicamycin had a significant inhibitory effect on the Fas glycosylation in keloid and hypertrophic scar, but not in normal skin. Conclusions The FasMcAb-induced apoptosis has a positive relationship with the Fas glycosylation. Tunicamycin has a significant inhibitory effect on the Fas glycosylation inkeloid and hypertrophic scar. Key words: Keloid;  Fas protein;  Fibroblast;  Glycosylation;  Tunicamycin