The efficacy of captopril and 5-fluorouracil combination in the proliferation and collagen deposition of keloid fibroblast

Abstract

Keloid is a benign fibroproliferative tissue growth that exceeds the initial wound margins. Captopril has been tested in vitro to reduce fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition; thus, it has potential for use in the treatment of keloids. Meanwhile, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has already been used in keloid management. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the combination of captopril and 5-FU in keloid fibroblast cultures. Keloid tissues were cultured up to passages 4-7. The study consisted of a control group, captopril in various concentrations (10-2, 10-3, 10-4 and 10-5 mol/L), 5-FU 1 mg/mL and a combination of captopril at various concentrations with 5-FU 1 mg/mL. After 144 hours of treatment, fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition were measured. The study showed a significant decrease in the mean index of fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in the group receiving captopril in various concentrations (10-2, 10-3, 10-4 and 10-5 mol/L) and the 5-FU group against the control group (p<0.05). In the combined-dose group, captopril at a concentration of 10-2 mol/L and 5-FU showed a significant reduction in fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition compared to the 5-FU group and the captopril at the same dose (p<0.05). In conclusion, the combination of captopril 10-2 mol/L and 5-FU 1 mg/mL is better at reducing fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in keloid fibroblast cultures than captopril or 5-FU as a single therapeutic agent.