Objective: To elucidate the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) on peritoneal fibrosis and the regulation of gastric cancer adhering to mesothelial cells.
Methods: The peritoneal mesothelial cell line of HMrSV5 was used to determine the role of TGF-β1 in the regulation of gastric cancer cell adhering to mesothelial cells. And the mRNA and protein expressions of collagen III and fibronectin were detected by adhesion assay, Western blot, immunofluorescent staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results: (1) The treatment of 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 could induce the expressions of collagen III and fibronectin in mesothelial cells at 24, 48 and 72 h (P < 0.01). (2) As compared with the controls, the percentages of adhered HGC-27 and HSC-39 gastric cancer cells significantly increased under the treatment of TGF-β1 for 24 and 72 h. The increased adhesion percentages of HGC-27 were 65% ± 5% and 124% ± 11% (P < 0.05) while those of HSC-39 85% ± 9% and 146% ± 17% respectively (P < 0.05). (3) Arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) (knockdown of minimal sites for cell-binding domain of extracellular matrix) decreased the number of cancer cells adhering to mesothelial cells under the stimulation of TGF-β1. And the decreased adhesion percentage of HGC-27 was 65% ± 8% (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: TGF-β1 significantly stimulates the expressions of collagen III and fibronectin in mesothelial cells. And it is associated with the increased adhesion of gastric cancer cell and offers a favorable environment for the dissemination of gastric cancer.