[Age-related features of transforming growth factor-β kinase-1 (TAK1) and fibroblast-activating protein-α (FAP-α)...

The aim of preset work was to examine the number of fibroblasts with positive immunohistochemical staining for transforming growth factor-β kinase-1 (TAK1) or fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) in human dermis from the development until 85 years old, and defining of a role of these proteins in age-dependent changes in the number and proliferation of fibroblasts in the dermis. TAK1, FAP-α, proliferating cells nuclear antigen (PCNA), marker of fibroblasts vimentin were detected with indirect immunohistochemical staining. Results showed that portion of fibroblasts with positive staining for TAK1 is increased, common number and proliferative activity of fibroblasts are decreased in the dermis from 20 weeks of pregnancy until 85 years old. Correlation analysis showed that age dependent decrease in the number of fibroblasts and their proliferative activity is significantly associated with increase in the number of dermal fibroblasts positively stained for TAK1. This allows to suppose that TAK1 plays a role in age dependent decrease in the number of fibroblasts and their proliferation in human dermis. Fibroblasts with positive staining for FAP-α were not found in human dermis of all ages examined. Hence, FAP-α does not take part in age-dependent regulation of the number of fibroblasts and their proliferation in human dermis.