The Effect of Heparin on Gene Expression of Collagen, MMP, TGF-beta Isoforms Using Cultured Fibroblast from Transverse Carpal Ligament of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Noninflammatory synovial fibrosis has been noted for main causal factor of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Recently, there are some reports that heparin have not only anti-coagulative effect but also anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential and have an effect on interstitial pulmonary fiborosis. Authors examined whether heparin affects pathogenesis of CTS. METHODS: First, heparin was administered to fibroblast that was cultured from patient's transverse carpal ligament. Secondly, we evaluated the expression from genes of type I, III collagen, TGF beta isoforms and MMP. Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from transverse carpal ligaments of 5 patients with CTS. Heparin (0, 1, 10,100microgram/ml) was administered to cultured fibroblast and reverse transcription PCR for mRNA expression of type I, III collagen, TGF-beta isoforms and MMP was done. RESULTS: Heparin suppressed gene expression of type I, III collagen and TGF-beta1, beta3 but promoted gene expression of TGF-beta(2) and MMP-2. CONCLUSION: Heparin directly suppress gene expression of type I, III collagen. But, It is undetermined that heparin can present it's effect mediated by TGF beta iso forms or MMP.