Influence of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) on fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) levels in external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) cell culture.

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, we cited circulatory disorders and hypoxia as etiological factors for the formation of external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) resulting in angiogenesis. Here, we investigate how the angiogenic factor hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) influences the level of another angiogenic factor FGF-2.

METHODS

After 16 to 72 hours of incubation with 20 ng/ml HGF/SF, levels of VEGF in the HGF/SF-treated and untreated culture was analyzed. We also investigated the influence of HGF/SF (20-80 ng/ml) on the concentration of FGF-2.

RESULTS

After 16 hours of incubation with HGF/SF at 20 ng/ml, FGF-2 was measured at 44.19 pg/ml (control: 42.24 pg/ml). After 72 hours, FGF-2 was at 23.41 pg/ml (control: 14.83 pg/ml). After 24 hours, 40 ng/ml HGF/SF showed the highest concentration of FGF-2.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF-2 levels were initially elevated after treatment with HGF/SF, however, further incubation did not show any increase. We assume that HGF/SF released FGF-2 in the matrix but did not induce FGF-2 expression. The most effective HGF/SF concentration was 40 ng/ml.