Periprosthetic breast capsules contain the fibrogenic cytokines TGF-beta 1and TGF-beta 2, suggesting possible new treatment approaches

Periprosthetic breast capsules composed of fibrotic collagenous material wi th increased collagen production are not dissimilar to other fibrotic condi tions occurring in other organs. Fibrosis in the lung, liver, kidney, and s kin has been associated with overproduction of the fibrogenic isoforms of t ransforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2). If periprosthet ic breast capsules contained high levels of these cytokines, possibly new t reatment approaches for capsular contraction could be proposed. Breast impl ant capsules of 35 patients harvested at the time of explantation were exam ined using indirect immunohistochemistry. Staining intensity for TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 was measured in all specimens. Immunohistochemical staining for TGF-pl and TGF-beta 2 revealed that these two cytokines were present i n all capsules analyzed. Minimal TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 were found in no rmal breast tissue, Levels of control vs, TGF-pl and control vs. TGF-beta 2 were significant (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001 respectively). The presence of T GF-P isoforms that are known to be fibrogenic may suggest new therapeutic a pproaches, which are being investigated for other fibrotic conditions.