expression of tgf-β3 in isolated fibroblasts from foreskin

background: the multifunctional transforming growth factor beta (tgf-β) is a glycoprotein that exists in three isoforms. tgf-β3 expression increases in fetal wound healing and reduces fibronectin and collagen i and iii deposition, and also improves the architecture of the neodermis which is a combination of blood vessels and connective tissue during wound healing. fibroblasts are key cells in the wound healing process. tgf-β3 plays a critical role in scar-free wound healing and fibroblast actions in the wound healing process. the aim of this study was to express the tgf-β3 gene (tgf-b3) in human foreskin fibroblasts (hff’s). methods: we obtained hff’s from a newborn and a primary fibroblast culture was prepared. the cells were transfected with tgf-β3-pcmv6-xl5 plasmid dna by both lipofection and electroporation. expression of tgf-β3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa). results: the highest tgf-β3 expression (8.3-fold greater than control) was obtained by lipofection after 72 hours using 3 µl of transfection reagent. expression was 1.4-fold greater than control by electroporation. conclusions: in this study, we successfully increased tgf-β3 expression in primary fibroblast cells. in the future, grafting these transfected fibroblasts onto wounds can help the healing process without scarring.