Use of tacrolimus, a potent antifibrotic agent, in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

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Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has a poor prognosis and few efficacious treatments. The immunosuppressant cyclosporin A has been shown to inhibit tumour growth factor (TGF)-β-induced collagen depositionin vitro, and is widely used in Japan as a potent antifibrotic agent. Tacrolimus (FK506) is another attractive immunosuppressant, which may be useful in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the antifibrotic effect of FK506.The inhibitory effect of FK506 on collagen synthesis in cultured lung fibroblastic cells, TIG-3-20, and its antifibrotic effect on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice was investigated.FK506 inhibited TGF-β-induced collagen synthesis, and suppressed the expression of TGF-β type I receptor (TβR-I) in TIG-3-20 cells. Consistent with thein vitrofindings, FK506 treatment starting on day 6 attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, in part,viareduced TβR-I expression. FK506 treatment in the acute BLM injury phase unexpectedly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and enhanced lung injury, resulting in poor survival.In conclusion, the present results suggest that FK506 has a potent antifibrotic effect and may be useful for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, although its use in the acute inflammatory phase may exacerbate lung injury.