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 mug 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.