Extracts from Sea Sponges Inhibit Fibroblast Migration

Abstract

Fibroblasts are the primary connective tissues present in the body and play a large role in wound healing. Human dermal fibroblasts, in vitro, are used to study cellular processes and stimulate a wound-like environment. Inhibition of fibroblast migration can be a preventative method of treatment among fibroproliferative diseases, such as Dupuytren's Contracture. Our goal was to find natural products that inhibit migration. The fibroblasts were plated with an elastomer plug and incubated at 37 ºC for two days. On the second day, the elastomer plug was removed to imitate a wound. The size of the wound was then measured. The treatment and media were combined and applied to the cells and incubated for one day. Pictures were retaken the following day. We then obtained measurements from each group. Lastly, the measurements of each treatment were compared to that of the control and data analysis ensued. Treatments were repeated multiple times to ensure the results are replicable. The results suggest that there are inhibitory properties exhibited by sea sponge extracts. Future research will consist of treatment, using the same sea sponge extracts, on Dupuytren's Contracture cells as a potentially non-invasive treatment option.