Transforming growth factor-β stimulates collagen and fibronectin synthesis by human corneal stromal fibroblastsin vitro

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Abstract
The effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the synthesis of collagen and fibronectin, and on the proliferation of human corneal stromal fibroblasts in vitro, were evaluated. Human corneal stromal fibroblasts in culture were incubated for 48 hours with TGFβ or EGF in the absence of serum. Collagen and fibronectin in the culture media were measured by a collagenase-digestion assay and a competitive ELISA, respectively. The effects of the growth factors on proliferation were assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Collagen synthesis was dose-dependently stimulated by TGFβ; at a concentration of 1 ng/ml of TGFβ, a 120% increase in collagen synthesis was seen over that of controls (p3H-thymidine incorporation. The maximum increases in 3H-thymidine incorporation reached 180% (p<0.001) and 190% (p<0.001) over that in controls, at 10 ng/ml concentrations of TGFβ and EGF, respectively. In conclusion, both TGFβ and EGF are potent stimulants of collagen and fibronectin synthesis and proliferation. Therefore, these two growth factors may be effective alternatives or additional choices for the treatment of corneal ulcer.