Transforming growth factors β1, β2 and β3 and their receptors are differentially expressed in human peritoneal fibroblasts in response to hypoxia

PROBLEM: Little is known about the role of peritoneal fibroblasts in adhesion formation. This study determines the effect of hypoxia and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 treatment on the expression of TGF-beta1-3 and TGF-beta1 and betaII receptors in human peritoneal fibroblasts (HPF). TGF-beta isoforms and their receptors have been implicated as mediators of the healing process and adhesion development. METHODS: HPF were cultured under normal and hypoxic condition, and treated with and without (1 ng/mL) TGF-beta1 for 24 hr. Total RNA from each group was subjected to multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) to quantitate TGF-beta1-3 and TGF-betaI and betaII receptors messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. RESULTS: Hypoxia resulted in a significant increase in TGF-beta1 (26%; P < 0.05), TGF-betaIR (34%; P < 0.05) and TGF-betaIIR (29%; P < 0.05) mRNA levels, with no effect on TGF-beta2 or beta3. TGF-beta1 treatment resulted in a significant increase in TGF-beta1 (35%; P < 0.05), but a decrease in TGF-beta2 (22%; P < 0.05) and no effect on TGF-beta3, TGF-betaIR or TGF-PIIR. Combined treatment of hypoxia and TGF-beta1 caused a significant increase in TGF-beta1 (37%; P <> 0.05), TGF-beta2 (12%; P < 0.05), TGF-betaIR (32%; P < 0.05) and TGF-betaIIR (34%; P < 0.05). There is no significant change in the rnRNA levels of TGF-beta3 in any of the treatments. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia and TGF-beta1 treatments of cultured HPF modulate the expression of TGF-beta1, beta2 and beta3 and their receptors betaIR and betaIIR by increasing the ratio of TGF-beta1 and beta2 to beta3, thus favoring the development of peritoneal adhesion.