Effects of Th2 cytokines on expression of collagen, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 in conjunctival fibroblasts.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether cytokines involved in chronic allergic conjunctival disorders may affect formation of giant papillae and tissue remodeling.


METHODS
Conjunctival fibroblast cultures were challenged with different concentrations of human recombinant interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, interferon (IFN)-gamma and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Procollagens I (PIP) and III (PIIIP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were measured in supernatants, and their respective mRNAs were evaluated by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
IL-4 and -13 (10 ng/mL) significantly increased production and expression of PIP compared with nonstimulated cells, whereas IFN-gamma elicited the opposite effect, at both the protein and mRNA levels. Both IL-4 and -13 significantly decreased production of MMP-1 and increased that of TIMP-1, whereas TNF-alpha increased production of MMP-1 and -9. Expression of MMP-1 was reduced by IL-4 and increased by the other tested cytokines, whereas expression of TIMP-1 was increased by all tested cytokines.


CONCLUSIONS
IL-4 and -13 increased production of collagen and modified the equilibrium between MMP-1 and its inhibitor, TIMP-1. These effects were partially opposed by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha.
Leonardi
Andrea
A
Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Ocular Inflammation Unit, University of Padua, via Foscari 8, 35127 Padua, Italy. mdvol@tin.it
Cortivo
Roberta
R
Fregona
Iva
I
Plebani
Mario
M
Secchi
Antonio G
AG
Abatangelo
Giovanni
G
D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000473:pathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000737:chemistry*; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D003094:Collagen; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1