Transforming growth factor-β and matrix metalloproteinase secretion in cell culture from ex-vivo pbmc after exposure to uv radiation

Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) especially MMP-2 and MMP-9, secreted by a pool of cells from dermic-epidermic tissue, might be associated with a poor prognosis of cancer. We examined the effect of solar radiation on the secretion of TGF-beta, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by ex vivo PBMC and dermic-epidermic cell pool. The two pools of cells in culture were photo tested using a solar simulator which reproduces the natural light source. The cells were incubated in serum-free medium in the absence and presence of PHA. After two 5 and 45 min exposure times, the supernatant of the cultures was removed at 24 and 48 h and analyzed for TGF-beta, and disrupted cell samples for MMP-2 and MMP-9 by RT-PCR. The data obtained by Optical Density by ELISA showed significant differences in the production of TGF-beta to the exposed cultures compared to control at 24 and 48 h, respectively. The increases in the MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations depending on the exposure time were observed. In conclusion, the UV radiation emitted by the solar simulator was able to stimulate the cells from extracellular matrix in in vitro culture to TGF-beta production, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions and their mRNAs. Since such MMPs and TGF are related to the evolution of cancer and its pathogenesis, these findings confirm that UV radiation can contribute to the prognosis of such diseases based on the MMP and TGF-beta secretion.