The Role of Coconut Oil to Increase Expression of MMP-9, PDGF-BB, and TGF-β1 in NIH-3T3 Cell Line.

Aim: The objective of the study was to evaluate protein expression in NIH 3T3 cells that are treated with virgin coconut oil (VCO) and hydrolysed of virgin coconut oil (HVCO) in vitro.

Methods: Coconut oil used in this study was virgin coconut oil (VCO) and VCO hydrolysed by (HVCO). NIH 3T3 cells (5x10 cells/well) were seeded in nine wells and incubated for overnight, then divided into three groups. Each group consisted of three wells. Group one without treatment, group two added VCO, and group three added HVCO and then incubated for overnight. One well in each group was added MMP-9, PDGF-BB, and TGF-β1 and incubated one hour. Finally, expressions of MMP-9, PDGF-BB, and TGF-β1 were detected using immunocytochemistry method.

Results: The results of the study showed that VCO and HVCO increased protein expressions of MMP-9, PDGF-BB, and TGF-β1. Percentage of MMP-9 expressions treated by VCO increased from 2.89 ± 0.07 to 28.16 ± 0.34, PDGF-BB from 28.11 ± 0.13 to 48.53 ± 0.49, and TGF-β1 from 4.19 ± 0.08 to 18.41 ± 0.54. Percentage of MMP-9 expressions treated by HVCO increased from 2.89 ± 0.07 to 55.40 ± 0.94, PDGF-BB from 28.11 ± 0.13 to 61.65 ± 0.42, and TGF-β1 from 4.19 ± 0.08 to 36.35 ± 0.67.

Conclusion: VCO and HVCO increase the expression of MMP-9, PDGF-BB, dan TGF-β1 in NIH3T3 cells and therefore, coconut oil active in the wound healing process. HVCO is more than active than VCO.