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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Author Spotlight: Exploring Orofacial Muscle Regeneration – Insights and Innovations
Published on: December 29, 2023
Effects of Nintedanib on Orofacial Fibroblasts and Myoblasts
Zhihao Wang1,2, Frank A D T G Wagener1, Edwin M Ongkosuwito1
1Department of Dentistry, Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Following surgical interventions or acquired trauma, fibrosis often inhibits muscle and skin regeneration. Nintedanib, an antifibrotic drug for lung fibrosis, may help prevent orofacial fibrosis. This study evaluates Nintedanib's potential for inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation and affecting the fusion of orofacial myoblasts into myotubes. Rat gingival fibroblasts and satellite cells (SCs) were isolated and cultured with TGF-β1 to induce myofibroblast differentiation and prevent myotube formation. Adding 1 and 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 significantly increased the percentage of myofibroblasts. Although Nintedanib did not affect the percentage of myofibroblasts, it strongly decreased the total number of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Additionally, Nintedanib at a concentration of 2 μM markedly reduced the expression of Ki-67 in fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In the SC cultures, 0.2 ng/mL TGF-β1 reduced the fusion index of SCs. Treatment with 2 μM Nintedanib significantly increased the fusion index of SCs. Furthermore, MyoD and MyoG gene expression in SCs was also significantly enhanced by Nintedanib at a concentration of 2 μM. Nintedanib promotes myotube formation while inhibiting (myo)fibroblast proliferation. This dual action stresses its potential as an anti-fibrotic therapy after orofacial surgery or traumatic injury affecting muscle tissue.
Insights
Nintedanib, an antifibrotic drug, shows promise for orofacial healing. It inhibits fibroblast proliferation and promotes muscle cell fusion, aiding regeneration after injury or surgery.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Fibrosis Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fibrosis impedes muscle and skin regeneration after trauma or surgery.
- Nintedanib is an established antifibrotic agent for lung fibrosis.
- Its potential in orofacial tissue repair is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Nintedanib's efficacy in preventing orofacial fibrosis.
- To assess its impact on myofibroblast differentiation and satellite cell fusion.
- To evaluate its effects on fibroblast and myoblast proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Primary rat gingival fibroblasts and satellite cells (SCs) were cultured.
- Myofibroblast differentiation was induced using TGF-β1.
- Nintedanib's effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Nintedanib reduced fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation and Ki-67 expression.
- It did not alter the percentage of myofibroblasts but decreased total cell numbers.
- Nintedanib enhanced SC fusion index and MyoD/MyoG gene expression, promoting myotube formation.
Conclusions:
- Nintedanib exhibits a dual action: inhibiting (myo)fibroblast proliferation and promoting myotube formation.
- This suggests Nintedanib's potential as an anti-fibrotic therapy for muscle tissue repair post-orofacial injury or surgery.
