Hepatitis C Virus Infection is Highly Correlated with Hepatocellular Apoptosis and Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 MRNA Expression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Introduction:  The cellular phases (granulation, reepithelialization, and dermal remodelling) of the healing process involve many cell types. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the key cells in granulation tissue formation and wound contraction.
Objective:  To compare the effects on cultured human fibroblasts of a new nonadhesive lipidocolloid wound dressing, Urgotul^®, with five other wound dressings including impregnated gauzes and some other modern wound dressings.
Method:  Cultures in monolayer were used to study the morphology and growth of fibroblasts. The Bell model of cultured dermis equivalents was used to investigate myofibroblast differentiation. These cultures were labelled α‐SM actin and F‐actin.
Results:  Two of the tested dressings induced cytotoxic effects on the fibroblasts. They were found to inhibit cell growth (greater than 60%) and to disturb cell shape and cytoskeletal differentiation. Urgotul^® and the remaining three dressings showed no effect on proliferation. However some of them modified fibroblast morphology and affected F‐actin distribution.
Conclusion:  Depending on their nature and components, wound dressings may respect or affect in vitro fibroblast behaviour (proliferation, morphology, and α‐SM actin and F‐actin distribution). The observed in vitro findings require further investigations.