Basic fibroblast growth factor: a potential new therapeutic tool for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Numerous tissue niches in the human body, such as skin, are now recognized to harbour adult stem cells. In this study, we analyze multipotent human dermis-derived progenitor cell populations, isolated and propagated from mechanically and enzymatically processed adult scalp skin. The populations encompass Nestin-positive and -negative cells, which may serve as a convenient and abundant source for various therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. Here, we show that these cultures exhibit a strong tendency to differentiate into mesodermal derivatives, particularly myofibroblasts, when maintained in media containing serum. Since undesired and excessive myofibroblast formation is a frequent postsurgical complication, we sought culture conditions that would prevent myofibroblast formation. In particular, we analyzed the effect of growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF AB). Our results demonstrate that bFGF is a potent inhibitor of mesodermal differentiation, whereas PDFG AB favours myofibroblast formation and up-regulates expression of TGFbeta receptors I and II. This interesting discovery may help in the prevention and treatment of tissue fibrosis and in particular in the eradication of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Tiede
Stephan
S
Allergology and Venerology, Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany. Stephan.tiede@uk-sh.de
Ernst
Nancy
N
Bayat
Ardeshir
A
Paus
Ralf
R
Tronnier
Volker
V
Zechel
Christina
C
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020405:Dermis / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007627:Keloid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012038:Regeneration; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor