[Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in human skin in the process of aging.]

The aim of this work was to examine the content of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in fibroblasts and blood microvessels of human dermis from the development until deep aging (from 20 weeks of pregnancy until 85 years old), and defining of a role of TGF-ß in age-dependent changes in the number of fibroblasts and blood microvessels in the dermis. TGF-ß, proliferating cells nuclear antigen (PCNA), endothelial cells marker CD 31 were detected with indirect immunohistochemical technique. Results showed that portion of fibroblasts with positive staining for TGF-ß in the dermis is increased from 20 weeks of pregnancy until 85 years old. More expressed growth in percent of TGF-ß positive fibroblasts in the human dermis is observed after birth and after 40 years old. The content of TGF-ß in blood microvessels in the human dermis is decreased sufficiently from 41 years old. Age-related increase in a portion of fibroblasts with positive staining on TGF-ß is associated with an age-related decrease in total number and percent of PCNA positive fibroblasts in human dermis. Age-related decrease in the content of TGF-ß in blood microvessels is accompanied with an age-related decrease in their number in the dermis. Age-related increase in the content of TGF-ß in fibroblasts is involved in an age-dependent decrease in their total number and proliferation in the dermis. Age-related decrease in the content of TGF-ß in blood microvessels in dermis takes part in the age-related diminishing of blood microvessels number in the dermis.