Transforming growth factor-β: Possible roles in Dupuytren's contracture

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional polypeptide that stimulates extracellular matrix deposition and fibroblast proliferation. Because both these features characterize Dupuytren's contracture, we investigated a possible role for TGF-β in the etiology of this disorder. We studied receptor expression for TGF-β, effects of TGF-β1 on DNA-synthesis, and in vitro production of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in both normal and Dupuytren-derived fibroblasts. We also studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on growth of the different cell types. TGF-β receptor profiles were different between the two cell types, as were TGF-β1 and EGF-induced stimulation of cell growth. Both cell types secreted both active and latent TGF-β. Our results suggest that growth factors such as TGF-β and EGF may play a role in Dupuytren's contracture.