Increased collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition within the lung is a characteristic feature of lung fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)- isoforms play a pivotal role in the production of collagen and ECM. In this study, we investigated the effects of TGF-1 and TGF-3 on the main processes controlling ECM deposition using primary human lung fibroblasts. We analyzed 1) collagen metabolism by [³H]proline incorporation, 2) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression by substrate gel zymography, and 3) tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) expression by Western blot analysis. TGF-1 and TGF-3 increased the percentage of secreted collagens in supernatants of primary fibroblasts from 8.0 ± 1.2 (control) to 23.6 ± 4.6 and 22.3 ± 1.3%, respectively. The collagen percentage in deposited ECM was increased from 5.8 ± 0.3 (control) to 9.0 ± 0.5 and 8.8 ± 0.5% by TGF-1 and TGF-3, respectively. Secretion of MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) by fibroblasts was reduced by both TGF- isoforms, whereas secretion of MMP-2 (gelatinase A) was unaffected by either of the two isoforms. Both TGF- isoforms increased TIMP-1 protein expression, whereas TIMP-2 protein was decreased. We thus conclude that TGF-1 and TGF-3 are equally potent in increasing ECM deposition. Their fibrotic effect in lung fibroblasts results from 1) an increase in the secretion and deposition of total ECM and collagens, 2) a decrease in MMP-1 secretion, and 3) an increase of TIMP-1 expression.

lung fibrosis; collagens; matrix metalloproteinase; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases

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