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Published on: September 18, 2017
Anti-proliferative effect of glucocorticoids on mesenchymal cells in juvenile angiofibromas
Olaf Wendler1, Julia Dlugaiczyk, Stephanie Birk
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
Background:
Glucocorticoids (GCs) not only regulate metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms, but also are known to suppress tumor growth. Despite previous detection of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in juvenile angiofibromas, their distribution and function have not further been studied.
Methods:
Juvenile angiofibroma tissue (n = 30), nasal mucosa specimens (n = 10), subepithelial stroma of nasal mucosa (n = 20), and primary fibroblasts from juvenile angiofibroma (n = 6) and nasal mucosa samples (n = 6) were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. The antiproliferative effect of GCs (dexamethasone, prednisolone, and hydrocortisone) in vitro was assessed using a bromdeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay.
Results:
An upregulation of GR transcripts and protein was shown in juvenile angiofibroma tissue and primary mesenchymal cells compared to nasal mucosa. Application of GCs resulted in a significantly higher antiproliferative effect on juvenile angiofibroma versus nasal mucosa fibroblasts in vitro.
Conclusion:
Expression of GRs and antiproliferative effects of GCs on juvenile angiofibroma fibroblasts offer novel options for the treatment of this unique fibrovascular tumor.
Insights
Glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) are upregulated in juvenile angiofibromas. Glucocorticoids (GCs) exhibit a greater antiproliferative effect on these tumor cells, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) regulate metabolism and inflammation, and suppress tumor growth.
- Glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) have been detected in juvenile angiofibromas, but their role is unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and function of GRs in juvenile angiofibromas.
- To assess the antiproliferative effects of GCs on juvenile angiofibroma cells.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining analyzed GRs in tissue and cell samples.
- In vitro antiproliferative effects of GCs were measured using a bromdeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay.
Main Results:
- Juvenile angiofibroma tissues and cells showed increased GR transcripts and protein compared to nasal mucosa.
- GCs demonstrated a significantly higher antiproliferative effect on juvenile angiofibroma fibroblasts than on nasal mucosa fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- GR expression and GC antiproliferative effects in juvenile angiofibroma fibroblasts present new therapeutic avenues.
- This research offers novel treatment options for this specific fibrovascular tumor.
