Inhibitory effects of tranilast on proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis of human vascular smooth muscle cells.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of tranilast (anti-allergic drug) on proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis in cultures of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Tranilast at 100 and 300 microM had several inhibitory effects. One is the effect on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by fetal bovine serum and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. Second is the effect on PDGF-BB-induced migration. Third is the effect on c-myc expression after PDGF-BB stimulation. Lastly, tranilast reduced the spontaneous collagen synthesis without reducing total protein synthesis. These results suggest that tranilast may prevent restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty via the inhibitory effects on proliferation, migration, c-myc gene expression, and collagen synthesis of vascular smooth muscle cells.