Transforming growth factor beta isoforms production by human peritoneal mesothelial cells after exposure to hypoxia

PROBLEM: Although human mesothelial cells (HMC) line nearly the entire abdo minal cavity, little is known about their role in adhesion formation. This study determines the effect of hypoxia and transforming growth factor (TGF) -beta 1 on the ability of HMC to produce TGF-beta 1-3, which have been impl icated as mediators of the healing process. METHOD OF STUDY: HMC were cultured under normal and hypoxic conditions, and treated with and without TGF-beta 1 for 24 hr. RNA from each group was sub jected to multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to quan titate TGF-beta 1-3 mRNA levels. RESULTS: Hypoxia resulted in 2- and 3.3-fold increase, while TGF-beta 1 tre atment resulted in 1.4- and 1.2-fold increase (normoxia) and 0- and 4.8-fol d increase (hypoxia) in TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 mRNA levels, respectively . There was no detectable TGF-beta 3 mRNA in HMC before or after treatments . CONCLUSION: TGF-beta I treatment under hypoxia further extenuates endogenou s TGF-beta 2 but blocks TGF-beta 1 production, thereby decreasing the TGF-b eta 1/TGF-beta 2 ratio, which may result in the reduction of scarring and f ibrosis.