Strain Stimulations with Different Intensities on Fibroblast Viability and Protein Expression

Abstract Background Mechanical stimulation via acupuncture and tuina massage triggers various cell responses. This study aims to understand these cellular bio-physical mechanisms by investigating the effect of different stimulation intensities on cell viability and protein expression. Methodology Connective tissue fibroblasts were cultured in vitro . Three varying intensities of mechanical strain stimulation were applied to the cells, either once or three times and compared with non-stimulated controls. Changes in fibroblast viability and fibroblast protein expression were observed. Results Strain stimulation intensity significantly increased fibroblast cell survival rate (p<0.01) to effectively improve cell viability. Moreover, the combined influence of both the strain stimulation intensity and number of stimulations on the fibroblast survival rate significantly differed (p<0.05). Strain intensity also significantly altered fibroblast protein expression between the three groups (p<0.0001). Cluster analysis showed that the medium-intensity strain stimulation posed the maximum influence on protein expression. Conclusion The difference in cell viability and protein expression of the connective tissue fibroblast during the in vitro strain process reveals the cytobiological mechanism of basic medicinal mechanical stimulation.