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Basic fibroblast growth factor in Dupuytren's contracture.
A M Gonzalez1, M Buscaglia, R Fox
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Growth Biology, Whittier Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology, La Jolla, California 92037.
The American Journal of Pathology
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF) is elevated in Dupuytren
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Dupuytren's contracture (DC) is a proliferative disease affecting fascia.
- The role of angiogenic factors in DC pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF) in Dupuytren's contracture.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of excised DC lesions and normal fascia.
- Endothelial cell proliferation assays.
- Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining for basic FGF.
- In situ hybridization for basic FGF and its receptor (FGFR-1) mRNA.
Main Results:
- Basic FGF-like activity was detected in DC extracts.
- Basic FGF protein was localized in DC lesions, particularly in endothelial cells and fibroblasts.
- Significantly higher levels of basic FGF and FGFR-1 mRNA were found in DC tissues compared to normal tissues.
- Cells implicated in DC progression express both basic FGF and FGFR-1.
Conclusions:
- Basic FGF is present and expressed in Dupuytren's contracture tissues.
- The findings suggest a potential autocrine/paracrine role for basic FGF in DC pathogenesis.
- This is the first report linking a non-tumoral proliferative disease to increased basic FGF mRNA, opening avenues for therapeutic development.