Expression of HGF and TGF -β in High Glucose Influences Cell Cycle Regulation of Human Fibroblasts

To investigate the role of HGF, TGF - β on cell cycle regulation by cultured human fibroblasts. Methods Fibroblasts from the human kidney tumor were cultured. The cellular proliferation in media containing normal or high concentration of glucose (25mmol/L) was assessed using MTT. Flowcytometry was used to study the cell cycle. The mRNA production of HGF and TGF -β was detected using RT- PCR.To control the osmotic effects of high glucose, cells were also cultured in 25mmol/L mannitol. Results After 36h, when compared to the control group, high glucose induced fibroblasts cell cycle changes, the cells were arrested in the G1 - phase of the cell cycle after self-limited early active proliferation. At the same time high glucoes inhibited cellular proliferation. After 24h culture,in the early stage HGF expression was increased,but afterward, high glucose increased TGF- β to steady - high mRNA levels. However HGF would reduce the levels of TGF - β. Mannitol inhibited cellular proliferation,too. Conclusion In vitro, high glucose suppresses human fibroblast cell proliferation and induces cellular hypertrophy. The results are probably associated with HGF and TGF- β gene expression.