Cell Collagen Production Research Articles

Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibition (Sacubitril/Valsartan) Reduces Structural Arterial Stiffness in Middle-Aged Mice.

Increasing arterial stiffness is a prominent feature of the aging cardiovascular system. Arterial stiffening leads to fundamental alterations in central hemodynamics with widespread detrimental implications for organ function resulting in significant morbidity and death, and specific therapies to address the underlying age-related structural arterial remodeling remain elusive. The present study investigates the potential of the recently clinically available dual angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) to counteract age-related arterial fibrotic remodeling and stiffening in 1-year-old mice. Treatment of in 1-year-old mice with ARNI (sacubitril/valsartan), in contrast to angiotensin receptor blocker monotherapy (valsartan) and vehicle treatment (controls), significantly decreases structural aortic stiffness (as measured by invivo pulse-wave velocity and exvivo aortic pressure myography). This phenomenon appears, at least partly, independent of (indirect) blood pressure effects and may be related to a direct antifibrotic interference with aortic smooth muscle cell collagen production. Furthermore, we find aortic remodeling and destiffening due to ARNI treatment to be associated with improved parameters of cardiac diastolic function in aged mice. This study provides preclinical mechanistic evidence indicating that ARNI-based interventions may counteract age-related arterial stiffening and may therefore be further investigated as a promising strategy to improve cardiovascular outcomes in the elderly.

Combination of Glycinamide and Ascorbic Acid Synergistically Promotes Collagen Production and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

The purpose of this study is to present a novel strategy to enhance collagen production in cells. To identify amino acid analogs with excellent collagen production-enhancing effects, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were treated with 20 kinds of amidated amino acids and 20 kinds of free amino acids, individually at 1 mM. The results showed that glycinamide enhanced collagen production (secreted collagen level) most effectively. Glycine also enhanced collagen production to a lesser degree. However, other glycine derivatives, such as N-acetyl glycine, N-acetyl glycinamide, glycine methyl ester, glycine ethyl ester, and glycyl glycine, did not show such effects. Glycinamide increased type I and III collagen protein levels without affecting COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA levels, whereas transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1, 10 ng mL−1) increased both mRNA and protein levels of collagens. Ascorbic acid (AA, 1 mM) increased COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA and collagen I protein levels. Unlike TGF-β1, AA and glycinamide did not increase the protein level of α-smooth muscle actin, a marker of differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. The combination of AA and glycinamide synergistically enhanced collagen production and wound closure in HDFs to a level similar to that in cells treated with TGF-β1. AA derivatives, such as magnesium ascorbyl 3-phosphate (MAP), 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl 2-O-glucoside, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, enhanced collagen production, and the mRNA and protein levels of collagens at 1 mM, and their effects were further enhanced when co-treated with glycinamide. Among AA derivatives, MAP had a similar effect to AA in enhancing wound closure, and its effect was further enhanced by glycinamide. Other AA derivatives had different effects on wound closure. This study provides a new strategy to enhance cell collagen production and wound healing using glycinamide in combination with AA.

Abstract B17: BET inhibitors block pancreatic stellate cell collagen production and attenuate fibrosis in vivo

Abstract The fibrotic reaction, which can account for over 70% of the tumor mass, is a characteristic feature of the majority of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors. It is associated with proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are key regulators of collagen production and fibrosis in vivo. In this report we show that bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a member of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins, is expressed in activated PSCs in human PDAC tumors. We also show that BET inhibitors and specific targeting of BRD4, in contrast to targeting of BRD2 and BRD3, decrease collagen production by primary PSCs isolated from human PDAC tumors. While BET inhibitors do not induce apoptosis of primary PSCs or affect α-SMA expression, BET inhibitors disrupt α-SMA filament organization in stellate cells. Additionally, BET inhibitors attenuate stellate cell activation, fibrosis and collagen production in vivo in a Kras mouse model of pancreatic tumorigenesis. Our results demonstrate that BET inhibitors regulate fibrosis partly by modulating PSC activation and function. Citation Format: Krishan Kumar, Brian DeCant, Hattaway Z. Hattaway, Paul J. Grippo, David J. Bentrem, Kazumi Ebine, Hidayatullah G. Munshi.{Authors}. BET inhibitors block pancreatic stellate cell collagen production and attenuate fibrosis in vivo. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2016 May 12-15; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(24 Suppl):Abstract nr B17.

Stem Cell-Derived, microRNA-Carrying Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Approach to Interfering with Mesangial Cell Collagen Production in a Hyperglycaemic Setting.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are derived from stem cells are proving to be promising therapeutic options. We herein investigate the therapeutic potential of EVs that have been derived from different stem cell sources, bone-marrow (MSC) and human liver (HLSC), on mesangial cells (MCs) exposed to hyperglycaemia. By expressing a dominant negative STAT5 construct (ΔNSTAT5) in HG-cultured MCs, we have demonstrated that miR-21 expression is under the control of STAT5, which translates into Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) expression and collagen production. A number of approaches have been used to show that both MSC- and HLSC-derived EVs protect MCs from HG-induced damage via the transfer of miR-222. This resulted in STAT5 down-regulation and a decrease in miR-21 content, TGFβ expression and matrix protein synthesis within MCs. Moreover, we demonstrate that changes in the balance between miR-21 and miR-100 in the recipient cell, which are caused by the transfer of EV cargo, further contribute to providing beneficial effects. Interestingly, these effects were only detected in HG-cultured cells. Finally, it was found that HG reduced the expression of the nuclear encoded mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) components, CoxIV. It is worth noting that EV administration can rescue CoxIV expression in HG-cultured MCs. These results thus demonstrate that both MSC- and HLSC-derived EVs transfer the machinery needed to preserve MCs from HG-mediated damage. This occurs via the horizontal transfer of functional miR-222 which directly interferes with damaging cues. Moreover, our data indicate that the release of EV cargo into recipient cells provides additional therapeutic advantages against harmful mitochondrial signals.

NF‐κB inhibitor MG132 enhances differentiation and collagen expression of dental pulp stem cells (732.1)

Inflammatory response in the dental pulp is mediated by interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α, which may alter collagen matrix formation by dental pulp stem cells and lead to a delay or poor healing of the dental pulp. We hypothesized that these inflammatory cytokines inhibit dental pulp stem cell collagen production by activating the transcription factor nuclear factor ‐ κB. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of nuclear factor ‐ κB signaling during odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells and collagen synthesis under inflammatory culture conditions. Data for the study were obtained by qRT‐PCR and Picrosirius staining for gene expression and collagen matrix staining, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used for generating high‐resolution images of the samples. Results showed a significant increase in nuclear factor ‐ κB gene expression by interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α, and this was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner by a nuclear factor ‐ κB inhibitor (MG132). Interestingly, dental pulp stem cells exposed to inflammatory conditions resulted in a significant increase in collagen (I)‐α1 gene expression, which was further enhanced in the presence of the inhibitor. This correlated with collagen matrix staining. Nuclear factor ‐ κB inhibition also enhanced the gene expression of the odontoblastic marker dentin sialophosphoprotein and demonstrated an odonotblastic cell morphology for the promotion of an odontogenic lineage during inflammation. Conversely, inhibition of NF‐kB in the absence of inflammation resulted in an increase in the gene expression of osteogenic markers (runx2, osteocalcin). In conclusion, controlling inflammatory signaling in DPSCs by reducing the activity of NF‐kB enhances odontoblastic differentiation and collagen matrix formation, potentially stimulating pulp and dentin healing.Grant Funding Source: NIH grants #A107380, #1K25DE018230‐01, #5P30DE020742‐02

Snail Cooperates with KrasG12D to Promote Pancreatic Fibrosis

Patients with pancreatic cancer, which is characterized by an extensive collagen-rich fibrotic reaction, often present with metastases. A critical step in cancer metastasis is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can be orchestrated by the Snail family of transcription factors. To understand the role of Snail (SNAI1) in pancreatic cancer development, we generated transgenic mice expressing Snail in the pancreas. Because chronic pancreatitis can contribute to pancreatic cancer development, Snail-expressing mice were treated with cerulein to induce pancreatitis. Although significant tissue injury was observed, a minimal difference in pancreatitis was seen between control and Snail-expressing mice. However, because Kras mutation is necessary for tumor development in mouse models of pancreatic cancer, we generated mice expressing both mutant Kras(G12D) and Snail (Kras(+)/Snail(+)). Compared with control mice (Kras(+)/Snai(-)), Kras(+)/Snail(+) mice developed acinar ectasia and more advanced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. The Kras(+)/Snail(+) mice exhibited increased fibrosis, increased phosphorylated Smad2, increased TGF-β2 expression, and activation of pancreatic stellate cells. To further understand the mechanism by which Snail promoted fibrosis, we established an in vitro model to examine the effect of Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells on stellate cell collagen production. Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells increased TGF-β2 levels, and conditioned media from Snail-expressing pancreatic cancer cells increased collagen production by stellate cells. Additionally, inhibiting TGF-β signaling in stellate cells attenuated the conditioned media-induced collagen production by stellate cells. Together, these results suggest that Snail contributes to pancreatic tumor development by promoting fibrotic reaction through increased TGF-β signaling. Expression of the EMT regulator Snail in the context of mutant Kras provides new insight into pancreatic cancer progression.

Blood platelets and inflammation: Their relationship with liver and digestive diseases

An expansion of knowledge from basic and clinical research has highlighted the critical role of platelets in inflammation and tissue repair in addition to their established contribution to hemostasis. Activated platelets are a rich source of mediators participating to inflammation and tissue regeneration. Platelet-derived microparticles recapitulate essential platelet functions and their contribution to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases has been emphasized. Recent findings suggest that platelets are both friends and foes for the liver. Platelets are essential to liver regeneration, platelet-derived serotonin being critical. However platelets can also exacerbate liver damage, as in immune-mediated injury. The dual role of platelets has recently been exemplified in animal models of liver fibrosis. Platelets release profibrogenic mediators, such as CXC Chemokine Ligand 4, that is instrumental in the progression of liver fibrosis. On the other hand, thrombocytopenia aggravates liver fibrosis, an outcome linked to the downregulation of hepatic stellate cell collagen production by platelet derived hepatocyte growth factor. CD154, a key molecule in inflammation, is expressed by platelets and is a pathogenic mediator in inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we summarize some of the mechanisms linking platelets with inflammation and comment few recent articles indicating why platelets may prove to be important pathogenic mediators in liver and gastrointestinal diseases.

Smad7 Attenuate Inducible Collagen Production in Hepatic Stellate Cells involving the regulation of P21 and P27

An inhibitory Smad7 emerges as a potential therapeutic candidate to intervene the hepatic fibrosis. Given that Smad7 functions through antagonizing the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐beta1 signaling, Smad7 over‐expression might enhance the proliferation of Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). However, our recent monitor show that Smad7 surprisingly promoted apoptosis in these cells. Here we report that such inhibitory machinery of Smad7 during the TGFbeta1‐derived process is coupled to the activity of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. Initially, Primary isolated HSCs were transiently transfected with an adenoviruses encoding Smad7 gene. Real‐time PCR and western blot analysis was confirmed that the overexpression of Smad7 substantially attenuated TGFbeta1 induced collagen I mRNA and protein levels in HSCs. In parallel, flow cytometric monitoring was recorded that Smad7 gene transfer dramatically enhanced but not abolished the apoptosis in these cells subjected to TGFbeta1. Interestingly, Smad7 induced apoptosis in HSCs was found to be both p21 and p27 linkage by using a specific small interfering RNA technique. In the present of TGFbeta1 was found to stimulate an obvious elevation in p21 protein and mildly increase in p27. However, it was found that Smad7 significantly induced p27 whereas caused a substantial decrease in p21 levels in these cells. Furthermore, silencing of p27 by specific siRNA was found to synergy with the inhibitory effect of Smad7 on the inducible collagen production in these cells. Collectively, our finds indicate the important roles of p21 and p27 in the inhibitory Smad7 working pattern in HSCs in response to TGFbeta1 and thereby provide a novel intracellular basis for associated drug development in the future. (Supported by Guangxi NSF Grants 0135035)

Increased levels of transforming growth factor β receptor type I and up‐regulation of matrix gene program: A model of scleroderma

Previously published studies have demonstrated that a majority of systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts exhibit elevated levels of transforming growth factor beta type I receptor (TGFbetaRI). An experimental model that recapitulates this condition was established in control dermal fibroblasts by titrating the dose of adenovirus vector expressing TGFbetaRI (AdTGFbetaRI). The present study was undertaken to determine the functional consequences of increased levels of TGFbetaRI in SSc. Gene array analysis of control dermal fibroblasts transduced with AdTGFbetaRI was performed using GeneChip expression arrays. Gene validation was done by Northern blot, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot techniques. TGFbeta blockade was performed using soluble TGFbeta receptor. TGFbetaRI kinase/activin receptor-like kinase 5 was inhibited with pharmacologic inhibitors. TGFbetaRI and TGFbetaRII protein levels and collagen production were examined by Western blotting in primary dermal fibroblasts from 9 SSc patients and 9 healthy adults. Endogenous TGFbetaRI levels were suppressed in control and SSc fibroblasts using specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). Global gene analysis indicated that a 2-fold increase in TGFbetaRI levels in control fibroblasts resulted in profibrotic changes that closely resembled the phenotype of SSc fibroblasts. A total of 125 genes were up-regulated, including COL1A1, COL1A2, and connective tissue growth factor, and 206 genes were down-regulated. Elevated production of collagen in cells transduced with AdTGFbetaRI was dependent on the autocrine TGFbeta, but not TGFbetaRI kinase activity. Eight of the 9 SSc strains exhibited increased levels of TGFbetaRI protein, which correlated with increased collagen synthesis. Treatment of SSc and matched control fibroblasts with siRNA that normalizes TGFbetaRI levels reverted collagen protein production in SSc fibroblasts to the levels observed in control fibroblasts. Our findings demonstrate that aberrantly expressed TGFbetaRI may drive an autocrine loop involved in the up-regulation of collagen and other matrix-related genes in SSc fibroblasts.

Flexor tendon wound healing in vitro: lactate up-regulation of TGF-beta expression and functional activity.

Flexor tendon wound healing in zone II is complicated by adhesions to the surrounding fibro-osseous sheath. These adhesions can significantly alter tendon gliding and ultimately hand function. Lactate and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) are two important mediators of wound healing that have been demonstrated to independently increase collagen production by cells of the tendon sheath, epitenon, and endotenon. This study examined the effects of lactate on TGF-beta peptide and receptor production by flexor tendon cells. Tendon sheath fibroblasts, epitenon tenocytes, and endotenon tenocytes were isolated from rabbit flexor tendons and cultured separately. Cell cultures were supplemented with 50 mM lactate, and the expression of three TGF-beta peptide isoforms (beta1, beta2, and beta3) and three receptor isoforms (R1, R2, and R3) was quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. TGF-beta functional activity was also assessed with the addition of tendon cell conditioned media to mink lung epithelial cells transfected with a luciferase reporter gene expression construct responsive to TGF-beta. Supplementation of the cell culture medium with lactate significantly (p < 0.05) increased the expression of all TGF-beta peptide and receptor isoforms in all three cell lines. Tendon sheath fibroblasts exhibited the greatest increases in beta1 and beta2 peptide isoform expression (30 and 23 percent, respectively), whereas endotenon tenocytes demonstrated the greatest increase in beta3 peptide expression (32 percent). Epitenon tenocytes exhibited the greatest increases in receptor isoform R1 and R2 expression (17 and 19 percent, respectively). All three tendon cell types demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) increases in TGF-beta functional activity when exposed to lactate. Epitenon tenocytes demonstrated the greatest increase in activity (>4 times control values), whereas tendon sheath fibroblasts demonstrated the highest overall levels of total TGF-beta functional activity. Lactate significantly increased TGF-beta peptide (beta1, beta2, and beta3) expression, receptor (R1, R2, and R3) expression, and functional activity, suggesting a common pathway regulating tendon cell collagen production. Modulation of lactate and TGF-beta levels may provide a means of modulating the effects of TGF-beta on adhesion formation in flexor tendon wound healing.

Flexor tendon healing in vitro: effects of TGF-beta on tendon cell collagen production.

Flexor tendon healing is complicated by adhesions to the surrounding sheath. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a cytokine with numerous activities related to wound healing. We examined the effects of TGF-beta-1, -2 and -3 on tendon cell proliferation and collagen production. Three separate cell lines--sheath fibroblasts, epitenon and endotenon tenocytes--were isolated from rabbit flexor tendons and cultured separately. Cell culture media was supplemented with 1 or 5 ng/mL of TGF-beta-1, -2, or -3. Cell number and collagen I and III production were measured and compared with unsupplemented control cultures. The addition of TGF-beta to cell culture media resulted in a decrease in cell number in all 3 lines that did not reach statistical significance. There was a significant increase (p <.05) in collagen I and III production with the addition of all 3 TGF-beta isoforms. Modulation of TGF-beta production may provide a mechanism to modulate adhesion formation clinically.

Upregulation of smooth muscle cell collagen production by homocysteine—insight into the pathogenesis of homocystinuria

Patients with untreated homocystinuria have widespread premature atherosclerosis with intimal thickening and collagen-rich, fibrous plaques. We previously demonstrated that homocysteine (Hcy) upregulates collagen synthesis and accumulation by arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) [A. Majors, L.A. Ehrhart, E.H. Pezacka, Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 17 (1997) 2074–2081] but the underlying mechanisms are not known. Since many of the effects of Hcy on intact vessels and vascular cells are thought to involve reactive oxygen species generated from Hcy oxidation, we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species in the upregulation of collagen production by Hcy. Treatment of SMCs with 300 μM l-Hcy increased collagen accumulation 2–3-fold. When added to culture medium containing serum, the exogenous Hcy was rapidly oxidized with a half-life of approximately 1 h but only very low amounts of H 2O 2 (up to 2 μM ) were detected. Three lines of evidence demonstrate that the increased accumulation of collagen was not mediated by reactive oxygen species generated from Hcy oxidation: (1) catalase in the medium did not block the accumulation of collagen in Hcy-treated cultures; (2) the addition of xanthine/xanthine oxidase, a system that generates superoxide and H 2O 2, did not increase collagen accumulation; and (3) the direct addition of H 2O 2 did not substantially enhance collagen accumulation. In contrast, heparin, a potent modulator of SMC function, significantly blocked the accumulation of collagen in Hcy-treated cultures. Together, these results demonstrate that the increase in collagen accumulation in Hcy-treated cultures involves alternate mechanisms not involving H 2O 2.

Role of receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) and the JAK/STAT-signaling pathway in AGE-induced collagen production in NRK-49F cells.

Advanced glycation end-product (AGE) is important in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), and captopril (an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) is effective in treating this disorder. We have shown that the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) cascade is responsible for AGE-induced mitogenesis in NRK-49F (normal rat kidney fibroblast) cells, but its role in renal fibrosis in DN remains unknown. Therefore, we have sought to determine whether JAK/STAT is involved in AGE-regulated collagen production in NRK-49F cells. We found that AGE time (1-7 days) and dose (10-200 microg/ml)-dependently increased collagen production in these cells. Additionally, AGE increased RAGE (receptor for AGE) protein expression. AGE-induced RAGE expression was dose-dependently inhibited by antisense RAGE oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) and captopril. AGE-induced type I collagen production and JAK2-STAT1/STAT3 activation were decreased by AG-490 (a specific JAK2 inhibitor), antisense RAGE ODN and captopril. Meanwhile, STAT1 and STAT3 decoy ODNs also suppressed the induction of collagen by AGE. We concluded that RAGE and the JAK2-STAT1/STAT3 pathway were involved in AGE-induced collagen production in NRK-49F cells. Furthermore, captopril was found to reverse AGE-induced collagen production, probably by attenuating RAGE expression and JAK2-STAT1/STAT3 activities.

Effect of Surface Roughness and Composition on Costochondral Chondrocytes is Dependent on Cell Maturation State

During endochondral bone formatin, as occurs in fracture healing, chondrocytes are one of the first cells to see an implant surface. We tested the hypothesis that chemical composition and surface roughness affect chondrocyte differentiation matrix synthesis, and local factor production and that the nature of the response is dependent on the state of maturation of the cells. To do this, we harvested rat growth zone and resting zone chondrocytes and examined their tesponce to smooth and rough disk surfaces manufactured from either commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy. profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, Auger spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the surfaces. Average roughness values were 0.22 μm for smooth titanium surfaces, 0.23 μm for smooth titanium alloy surfaces, 4.24 μm for rough titanium surfaces. and 3.20 μm for rough titanium alloy surface. Cells were grown on the different disk surfaces until the cultures had reached confluence on plastic. The effect of the surfaces was determined by assaying cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation as measurs of cell proliferatin, cell layer and cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity as markers of differentiation, and collagen production and [35S]sulfate incorporation as indicators of extracellular matrix production. In addition, the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor-β were examined to measure changes in local factor synthesis. In growth Zone and resting Zone cultures, cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation were decreased on rough surfaces: however, this effect was greater on commercially pure titanium surfaces. Cell layer and cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity were decreased in resting zone cells grown on rough surfaces. Cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity in growth zone cells was decreased on rough surfaces, whereas cell layer alkaline phosphatase specific activity was increased only in growth zone cells growth on rough commercially pure titanium surfaces, Resting Zone cell collagen production was decreased only on rough commercially pure titanium, whereas in growth zone cells, collagen production was increased. Increased prostaglandin E2 release into the media was found for growth zone and resting zone cell cultures on the disks with rough surfaces. The observed effect was greater on rough commercially pure titanium. Production of transforming growth factor-β by resting zones was similarly affected. whereas an increase in its production by growth zone cells was measured only on rough commercially pure titanium. These results indicate that surface roughness affects chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis. and local factor production and that these parameters are also affected by chemical composition. Furthermore. the nature and extent of the cell response is dependent on cell maturation. The overriding variable in response to an implant material, however, appears to be roughness of the surface.

Effect of surface roughness and composition on costochondral chondrocytes is dependent on cell maturation state.

During endochondral bone formation, as occurs in fracture healing, chondrocytes are one of the first cells to see an implant surface. We tested the hypothesis that chemical composition and surface roughness affect chondrocyte differentiation, matrix synthesis, and local factor production and that the nature of the response is dependent on the state of maturation of the cells. To do this, we harvested rat growth zone and resting zone chondrocytes and examined their response to smooth and rough disk surfaces manufactured from either commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy. Profilometry, scanning electron microscopy, Auger spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the surfaces. Average roughness values were 0.22 microm for smooth titanium surfaces, 0.23 microm for smooth titanium alloy surfaces, 4.24 microm for rough titanium surfaces, and 3.20 microm for rough titanium alloy surfaces. Cells were grown on the different disk surfaces until the cultures had reached confluence on plastic. The effect of the surfaces was determined by assaying cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation as measures of cell proliferation, cell layer and cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity as markers of differentiation, and collagen production and [35S]sulfate incorporation as indicators of extracellular matrix production. In addition, the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor-beta were examined to measure changes in local factor synthesis. In growth zone and resting zone cultures, cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation were decreased on rough surfaces; however, this effect was greater on commercially pure titanium surfaces. Cell layer and cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity were decreased in resting zone cells grown on rough surfaces. Cell alkaline phosphatase specific activity in growth zone cells was decreased on rough surfaces, whereas cell layer alkaline phosphatase specific activity was increased only in growth zone cells grown on rough commercially pure titanium surfaces. Resting zone cell collagen production was decreased only on rough commercially pure titanium, whereas in growth zone cells, collagen production was increased. Increased prostaglandin E2 release into the media was found for growth zone and resting zone cell cultures on the disks with rough surfaces. The observed effect was greater on rough commercially pure titanium. Production of transforming growth factor-beta by resting zones was similarly affected, whereas an increase in its production by growth zone cells was measured only on rough commercially pure titanium. These results indicate that surface roughness affects chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, matrix synthesis, and local factor production and that these parameters are also affected by chemical composition. Furthermore, the nature and extent of the cell response is dependent on cell maturation. The overriding variable in response to an implant material, however, appears to be roughness of the surface.

The expression of transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-1beta mRNA and the response to 1,25(OH)2D3' 17 beta-estradiol, and testosterone is age dependent in primary cultures of mouse-derived osteoblasts in vitro.

The aim of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that primary cultures of osteoblasts obtained from bones of young animals respond to hormones better than cell cultures obtained from old animals. We studied in cultured osteoblastic cells the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and sex steroid hormones on several mouse osteoblastic phenotypic expressions including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNAs. Second passages of long bone-derived osteoblastic cells from young donors (5-12 wk) and old donors (10-12 mo old) were used for this study. The cells obtained from old animals had decreased ALP activity and cAMP compared with cells obtained from young animals with no change in collagen production and mineralization. The addition of 17beta-estradiol and testosterone increased ALP activity and mineralization in the cultured cells from both age groups and collagen production in cells obtained from old mice. Using in situ hybridization IL-1beta and TGF-beta mRNA expression was observed to be higher in the osteoblasts from young than from old donors. 1,25(OH)2D3 increased IL-1beta mRNA expression in the cells derived from young mice. Testosterone and 17beta-estradiol inhibited IL-1beta mRNA expression only in cells derived from young mice. Sex steroid hormones did not change TGF-beta mRNA expression in any of the cell lines, but 1,25(OH)2D3 increased its expression in cells derived from old donors. The results of the present study indicate that cells obtained from old mice are generally less active than those obtained from young animals.

A basement membrane substrate alters SV40-transformed rabbit proximal tubule cell collagen production and response to TGF-β

A basement membrane substrate alters SV40-transformed rabbit proximal tubule cell collagen production and response to TGF-β

Retinoic acid inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta-induced collagen production by human lung fibroblasts.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-stimulated collagen production plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the fibrotic response seen in chronic inflammatory lung disorders. Retinoids are vitamin A analogues that are potent immunomodulators and have been shown to modulate stromal cell collagen production in a variety of nonpulmonary systems. We hypothesized that retinoids might also modulate lung fibroblast collagen production. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and several other retinoid compounds regulate the production of types I and III collagen by unstimulated and TGF-beta 1-stimulated human lung fibroblasts. Unstimulated cells produced modest quantities of types I and III collagen, and TGF-beta 1 increased the production of these matrix molecules 2- to 4-fold. Preincubation with 10(-5) M RA caused a significant decrease in the basal levels of types I and III collagen produced by these cells. RA preincubation also totally abrogated the collagen inductive effects of TGF-beta 1. At 10(-5) M, RA preincubation caused a 97% decrease in the stimulation of type I collagen and a 115% decrease in the stimulation of type III collagen caused by TGF-beta 1. These inhibitory effects were dose dependent. Significant inhibition of type I and III collagen production was appreciated with doses of RA as low as 10(-9) and 10(-8), respectively. These inhibitory effects were not unique to RA since 13-cis-retinoic acid, 9-cis-retinoic acid, etretinate, all-trans etretin, and the water-soluble retinoids, retinoyl beta-glucuronide and retinyl-beta-glucuronide, also inhibited TGF-beta 1-stimulated type I collagen production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dexamethasone potentiates the stimulatory effect of insulin-like growth factor-I on collagen production in cultured human fibroblasts.

We examined the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and dexamethasone on the production of collagen by cultures of human infant foreskin fibroblasts, and the interaction between these two factors. IGF-I at 500 ng/ml maximally increased collagen accumulation fourfold. Collagen was increased twofold relative to total protein production. Dexamethasone at a concentration of 1 mumol/l reduced collagen production by between 25% and 40% in unstimulated cells and those cultured with up to 100 ng IGF-I/ml. However, dexamethasone did potentiate collagen production in cells stimulated with 250 ng IGF-I/ml. This potentiation was independent of any effects of IGF-I or dexamethasone on prostaglandin (PG)E2 production. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is also a potent stimulator of collagen formation. However, no potentiation of TGF-beta-stimulated collagen production by dexamethasone was apparent. The mechanism by which dexamethasone potentiates IGF-I-stimulated collagen production was investigated. Dexamethasone treatment increased IGF-I binding to the type 1 IGF receptor without altering the binding affinity. Dexamethasone also attenuated the secretion of IGF-binding proteins by IGF-I-maintained cells.

Posttranslational inhibition of Ito cell type I collagen production by triiodothyronine

Increased Ito cell collagen production occurs during in vivo liver fibrogenesis. Regulation of the overproduction of collagen was studied in cultured rat hepatic Ito cells, which resemble the myofibroblast associated with liver fibrosis. Previous studies suggest that the steroid hormones, retinoic acid, and glucocorticoids may have antifibrogenic properties in vitro and in vivo when used at pharmacological doses. Their potential roles at physiological levels are not well understood. The current study examined the potential regulation of the overproduction of type I collagen in cultured rat hepatic Ito cells by another steroid hormone, 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3). T3 induced a 3.4-fold reduction in type I collagen production. The effect was dose dependent and was maximal with physiological levels of T3 (10(-9) M). The effect of T3 was independent of any suppression in total protein synthesis. The mechanism of the suppressive effect of T3 on collagen production was explored and was found to be at a posttranslational level. This study suggests that the inhibitory effects of T3 on type I collagen production are likely caused by enhanced intracellular turnover of type I collagen.