Opposite effects of bFGF and TGF-β on collagen metabolism by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

• Published in: Cytokine (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2007-08, Vol.39 (2), p.130-137
• Main Authors: Silverio-Ruiz, Karina Gonzales, Martinez, Aurora Esmeralda Traverso, Garlet, Gustavo Pompermaier, Barbosa, Carolina Fregonesi, Silva, Joao Santana, Cicarelli, Regina Maria Barreto, Valentini, Sandro Roberto, Abi-Rached, Ricardo Samih Georges, Junior, Carlos Rossa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basic fibroblast growth factor; Cell Line; Cell Proliferation; Collagen; Collagen Type I - drug effects; Collagen Type I - metabolism; Collagen Type III - drug effects; Collagen Type III - metabolism; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 - pharmacology; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 - physiology; Fibroblasts - metabolism; Human periodontal ligament cells; Humans; Matrix metalloproteases; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 - metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 - metabolism; Periodontal Ligament - cytology; Periodontal Ligament - metabolism; Periodontal regeneration; Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases - metabolism; Transforming growth factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta - pharmacology; Transforming Growth Factor beta - physiology
• ISSN: 1043-4666; 1096-0023
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2007.06.009

This study evaluated the effects of bFGF and TGF-β, individually and combined, on cell proliferation and collagen metabolism. Primary human periodontal ligament cells were stimulated with two concentrations (1 and 10 ng/ml) of each growth factor, both individually and combined. Proliferation was determined by a commercial biochemical assay. Real time RT-PCR determined gene expression of MMP-1 and -2, collagen types I and III, TIMP-1, -2 and -3. Autocrine effects on synthesis of bFGF and TGF-β were evaluated by ELISA. Only TGF-β, either isolated or associated with bFGF, significantly increased cell proliferation. TGF-β had anabolic effects, increasing expression of type I and III collagen as well as of TIMPs, whereas bFGF had opposite effects. When bFGF and TGF-β were associated, the anabolic effects prevailed. Synthesis of TGF-β was induced only by the association of lower concentrations of the growth factors, whereas there was a dose-dependent production of bFGF. It is concluded that bFGF had a predominantly catabolic effect, and TGF-β exerted an anabolic effect on hPDL cells.