LIPOTEICHOIC ACID AND PROTEIN-A FROM STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS STIMULATE RELEASE OF HEPATOCYTE GROWTH-FACTOR (HGF) BY HUMAN DERMAL FIBROBLASTS

In this study we demonstrated that Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and protein-A (PA) induce the release from human dermal fib roblasts of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a proliferation factor of epithelial cells (including keratinocytes). In contrast, LPS and porin s from Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not stimulate HGF production. Recomb inant human IL-1 beta induced HGF release. This production was synergi stically enhanced when in association with LTA (by more than twice) an d PA (by about two-thirds). Controls were performed in the presence of bacterial components alone. In previous studies we have shown that LP S and porins are inducers of IL-1 alpha and beta and other cytokines f rom human monocytes, Therefore it is possible that in inflammatory cut aneous foci and infected wounds, bacterial components may induce HGF r elease from dermal human fibroblasts, LTA and PA act directly, while L PS and porins act indirectly, through the release of cytokines by mono cytes/macrophages, HGF plays an important role in the repair of cutane ous tissue during gram-positive and gram-negative infections.