Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) expression is increased in the subsynovial connective tissues of patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome

Takako Chikenji, Anne Gingery, Chunfeng Zhao, Sandra M. Passe, Yasuhiro Ozasa, Dirk Larson, Kai Nan An, Peter C. Amadio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Non-inflammatory fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) is a hallmark of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The etiology of this finding and its relationship to the development of CTS remain poorly understood. Recent studies have found that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a central role in fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of TGF-β and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a downstream mediator of TGF-β, in the pathogenesis of CTS. We compared SSCT specimens from 26 idiopathic CTS patients with specimens from 10 human cadaver controls with no previous diagnosis of CTS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine levels TGF-β1, CTGF, collagen 1(Col1) and collagen 3 (Col3) expression. TGF-β1 (p < 0.01), CTGF (p < 0.01), and Col3 (p < 0.01) were increased in SSCT of CTS patients compared with control tissue. In addition, a strong positive correlation was found between TGF-β1 and CTGF, (R 2 = 0.80, p < 0.01) and a moderate positive correlation between Col3 and TGF-β1 (R2 = 0.49, p < 0.01). These finding suggest that there is an increased expression of TGF-β and CTGF, a TGF-β regulated protein, and that this TGF-β activation may be responsible for SSCT fibrosis in CTS patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)116-122
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

Keywords

  • CTGF
  • TGF-β
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • subsynovial connective tissue

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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