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Acidic fibroblast growth factor in synovial cells
J W Thomas1, T H Thieu, V M Byrd
1Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|October 19, 2000
Summary
Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) production is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synoviocytes. Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) significantly boosts aFGF release, suggesting a role in RA pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Rheumatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Synoviocytes are key cells in synovial joint tissue.
- Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) plays roles in cell growth and tissue repair.
- Dysregulation of aFGF may contribute to inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production and regulation of aFGF in type B synoviocytes.
- To compare aFGF expression in synoviocytes from inflammatory (RA) and noninflammatory lesions.
- To identify factors that influence aFGF production in synovial cells.
Main Methods:
- Synovial cells cultured in vitro.
- Expression of aFGF examined using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and RT-PCR.
- Bioactive aFGF measured by NIH3T3 cell proliferation assay.
- Effects of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, EGF, TGFβ1) on aFGF production assessed.
Main Results:
- aFGF detected in all cultured synovial cells.
- Synoviocytes from RA patients showed higher cytoplasmic and nuclear aFGF levels.
- aFGF production was sustained and serum-independent.
- Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) markedly increased aFGF production, while other tested cytokines did not.
Conclusions:
- Synovial cell aFGF synthesis and release are increased in RA.
- TGFβ1 is a potent inducer of aFGF production by synoviocytes.
- TGFβ1 and aFGF interactions may drive RA-related angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation, potentially independent of inflammatory mediators.