The effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)- beta sub(1) and (TGF)- beta sub(2) on nasal polyp fibroblast activities involved upper airway remodeling: Modulation by fluticasone propionate

Transforming growth factor (TGF)- beta may play a significant role in nasal polyposis pathogenesis, possibly through fibroblast activation. We studied the effects of two TGF- beta isoforms (TGF- beta sub(1) and TGF- beta sub(2)) on nasal polyposis fibroblasts by evaluating cell proliferation and differentiation into myofibroblasts. In addition, the inhibitory activity of different concentrations of fluticasone propionate (F.P.) was tested in this in vitro system. Primary nasal polyp tissue-derived fibroblasts were stimulated with different concentrations (1, 10 and 20ng/ml) of TGF- beta sub(1) and TGF- beta sub(2) for different incubation periods (24, 48 and 72h) and cell proliferation [ super(3)H thymidine ([ super(3)H]TdR) incorporation] and alpha -smooth muscle actin ( alpha -SMA) expression (immunocytochemistry) was evaluated. The lowest concentration of TGF- beta sub(1) (1ng/ml) induced a significant increase in [ super(3)H]TdR incorporation at 48 and 72h (p