Abnormal growth factor and cytokine expression in Dupuytren's contracture

Abstract

Aim - To analyse patterns of gene expression for peptide regulatory factors in patients with Dupuytren's contracture. Methods - Tissue samples (palmer fascia) from 12 patients with Dupuytren's contracture and 12 controls were studied using the reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) technique. Results - Tissue from patients with Dupuytren's contracture expressed a higher percentage of peptide regulatory factors than that of controls: interleukin-1α (83% v 16%; p < 0.01); interleukin-1β (66% v 8%; p < 0.01); transforming growth factor β (75% v 25%; p < 0.02); and basic fibroblast growth factor (66% v 25%; p < 0.05). Platelet derived growth factors α and β were also expressed more commonly (66% v 33% and 25% v 16%, respectively), but these differences were not significant. Conclusions - The increased prevalence of expression for the above mRNAs in Dupuytren's tissue is relevant as interleukin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and transforming growth factor β stimulate the growth of fibroblasts and transforming growth factor β also enhances production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Excessive local release of these peptide regulatory factors may have an important role in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's contracture.