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Effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on connective tissue metabolism in normal and scleroderma fibroblast cultures

K Takeda1, A Hatamochi, M Arakawa

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan.

Archives of Dermatological Research
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) reduces collagen production in systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for SSc treatment. This finding highlights TNF-alpha's role in regulating extracellular matrix components.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is marked by excessive collagen accumulation in the skin.
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) influences collagen and matrix metalloproteinase production in fibroblasts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of TNF-alpha on collagen types I, III, VI, fibronectin, and collagenase gene expression in fibroblasts from normal individuals and SSc patients.
  • To assess the potential of TNF-alpha as a therapeutic agent for SSc.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured dermal fibroblasts from normal individuals and SSc patients were treated with TNF-alpha.
  • Gene expression levels for collagens I, III, VI, fibronectin, and collagenase were analyzed using mRNA analysis.
  • Collagenase activity was also measured.

Main Results:

  • TNF-alpha inhibited collagen I, III, and fibronectin production and mRNA levels in SSc fibroblasts.
  • TNF-alpha stimulated collagenase activity and mRNA levels in SSc fibroblasts.
  • Collagen VI mRNA levels (alpha 1 and alpha 3) and beta-actin mRNA were unaffected by TNF-alpha in both normal and SSc fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

  • TNF-alpha demonstrates potential as a beneficial treatment for SSc by reducing excessive collagen deposition.
  • Collagen VI expression is regulated independently of collagens I and III.
  • Fibronectin and collagen I/III expression are coordinately regulated by TNF-alpha in fibroblasts.

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