Anti-fibrotic action of pirfenidone in Dupuytren’s disease-derived fibroblasts

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a complex fibro-proliferative disorder of the hand that is often progressive and eventually can cause contractures of the affected fingers. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β(1)) has been implicated as a key stimulator of myofibroblast activity and fascial contraction in DD. Pirfenidone (PFD) is an active small molecule shown to inhibit TGF-β(1)-mediated action in other fibrotic disorders. This study investigates the efficacy of PFD in vitro in inhibiting TGF-β(1)-mediated cellular functions leading to Dupuytren’s fibrosis. METHODS: Fibroblasts harvested from (DD) and carpal tunnel (CT)- tissues were treated with or without TGF-β(1) and/or PFD and were subjected to cell migration, cell proliferation and cell contraction assays. ELISA; western blots and real time RT-PCR assays were performed to determine the levels of fibronectin; p-Smad2/Smad3; alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α2 chain of type I collagen and α1 chain of type III collagen respectively. RESULTS: Our results show that PFD effectively inhibits TGF-β(1)-induced cell migration, proliferation and cell contractile properties of both CT- and DD-derived fibroblasts. TGF-β(1−)induced α-SMA mRNA and protein levels were inhibited at the higher concentration of PFD (800 μg/ml). Interestingly, TGF-β(1) induction of type I and type III collagens and fibronectin was inhibited by PFD in both CT- and DD- derived fibroblasts, but the effect was more prominent in DD cells. PFD down-regulated TGF-β(1)-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/Smad3, a key factor in the TGF-β(1) signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Taken together these results suggest the PFD can potentially prevent TGF-β(1−)induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation and inhibit ECM production mainly Type I- and Type III- collagen and fibronectin in DD-derived fibroblasts. Further in-vivo studies with PFD may lead to a novel therapeutic application in preventing the progression or recurrence of Dupuytren’s disease.