616 Investigating if hydroxypyridone anti-fungals can target already established myofibroblasts in an in vitro model of hypertrophic scarring

Hypertrophic scars are a common complication of burn injury, yet there no medications to prevent their formation. Myofibroblasts, key cell involved in scar formation, resistant apoptosis. We have previously shown that hydroxypyridone anti-fungals can inhibit myofibroblast transformation scar-derived fibroblasts. This study aimed investigate if these drugs target established myofibroblasts. Primary human dermal fibroblasts, derived from patient scars, were exposed transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) for 72 h induce transformation. The In-Cell ELISA method was used measure alpha-smooth muscle actin and DRAQ5 staining viability. Concentration-response curves the three (ciclopirox, ciclopirox ethanolamine piroctone olamine) constructed (0.03 – 300 μM). To confirm increased death, TUNEL utilised (at 10 μM) induced When given co-incubation with TGF-β1, prevented concentration-dependent manner. In pre-transformed myofibroblasts, exhibited decrease viability, where 22% reduction viability observed at μM (compared fibroblasts treated TGF-β1 anti-fungal). confirmed apoptosis myofibroblasts when applied hours after treatment, but not co-incubation. is first show capable inducing Together our previous results, this suggests formation by tackling continuous persistence.