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

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 β isoforms and MMP. Fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from transverse carpal ligaments of 5 patients with CTS. Heparin (0, 1, 10,100μg/ml) was administered to cultured fibroblast and reverse transcription PCR for mRNA expression of type I, III collagen, TGF-β isoforms and MMP was done.Results: Heparin suppressed gene expression of type I, III collagen and TGF-β1, β3 but promoted gene expression of TGF-β2 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 β isoforms or MMP.