TGF-β1 mediates pathologic changes of secondary lymphedema by promoting fibrosis and inflammation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Secondary lymphedema is a common complication of cancer treatment, and previous studies have shown that the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), a pro-fibrotic and anti-lymphangiogenic growth factor, is increased in this disease. Inhibition of TGF-β1 decreases the severity of the disease in mouse models; however, the mechanisms that regulate this improvement remain unknown.

Methods

Expression of TGF-β1 and extracellular matrix molecules (ECM) was assessed in biopsy specimens from patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). The effects of TGF-β1 inhibition using neutralizing antibodies or a topical formulation of pirfenidone (PFD) were analyzed in mouse models of lymphedema. We also assessed the direct effects of TGF-β1 on

SUBMITTER: Baik JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9160979 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature