Opposite effects of bFGF and TGF-β on collagen metabolism by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

This study evaluated the effects of bFGF and TGF-β, individually and combined, on cell proliferation and collagen metabolism. Primary human periodontal ligament cells were stimulated with two concentrations (1 and 10 ng/ml) of each growth factor, both individually and combined. Proliferation was determined by a commercial biochemical assay. Real time RT-PCR determined gene expression of MMP-1 and -2, collagen types I and III, TIMP-1, -2 and -3. Autocrine effects on synthesis of bFGF and TGF-β were evaluated by ELISA. Only TGF-β, either isolated or associated with bFGF, significantly increased cell proliferation. TGF-β had anabolic effects, increasing expression of type I and III collagen as well as of TIMPs, whereas bFGF had opposite effects. When bFGF and TGF-β were associated, the anabolic effects prevailed. Synthesis of TGF-β was induced only by the association of lower concentrations of the growth factors, whereas there was a dose-dependent production of bFGF. It is concluded that bFGF had a predominantly catabolic effect, and TGF-β exerted an anabolic effect on hPDL cells.