Effects of oestrogen agonists on human dermal fibroblasts in an in vitro wounding assay

Oestrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) improve wound healing, but circulating levels decline significantly with age. Recently, the selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) tamoxifen and raloxifene have been shown to improve age-associated impaired wound healing. Therefore, we have evaluated the effects of 17 beta-oestradiol, ER alpha and ER beta agonists, tamoxifen, raloxifene and DHEA on human dermal fibroblasts using an in vitro wound assay. An ER alpha agonist, 17 beta-oestradiol and DHEA all significantly accelerated cell migration; the DHEA effect was blocked with an aromatase inhibitor. Tamoxifen, raloxifene and DHEA all significantly increased DNA synthesis; the DHEA stimulatory effect was reversed by an aromatase inhibitor. This study demonstrates that 17 beta-oestradiol, an ER alpha agonist, tamoxifen, raloxifene and DHEA (following conversion to oestrogen) all have significant effects on human fibroblasts, the key mesenchymal cell involved in the wound healing process. Further understanding of the mechanisms involved may have important implications for the management of age-related impaired wound healing.