TLDR The model helps test drugs for clubfoot fibrosis by mimicking cell environments and shows minoxidil reduces harmful collagen links.
This study presents a novel pseudo-3D in vitro model for high-throughput drug screening in pediatric clubfoot fibrosis, using clubfoot-derived fibroblasts and a biomimetic environment created by Ficoll and Polyvinylpyrrolidone to mimic macromolecular crowding. The model successfully increased collagen conversion and extracellular matrix formation, and upregulated fibrosis-related genes. Testing with the antifibrotic drug minoxidil showed it effectively blocked lysyl hydroxylases, reducing collagen cross-linking in fibrotic tissues. This model offers a valuable tool for preclinical research in clubfoot and similar fibroproliferative conditions.
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April 2012 in “Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery” Minoxidil treats hair loss, promotes growth, has side effects, and has recent patents.
