Abstract
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M), a serum protease inhibitor that also binds cytokines, neutralized the inhibitory effect exerted by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on IL-6-induced C-reactive protein (CRP) production by the human hepatoma cell line PLC/PRF/5. alpha 2-M was found to bind noncovalently with TGF-beta to form a complex that, upon acidification, released TGF-beta inhibitory activity as detected by IL-6-induced CRP production. Although alpha 2-M also binds IL-6, it did not alter IL-6-induced CRP production by the hepatoma cells. The interaction between alpha 2-M and TGF-beta may influence the production of acute-phase proteins by liver hepatocytes.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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C-Reactive Protein / biosynthesis*
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C-Reactive Protein / genetics
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
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Humans
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Interleukin-6 / pharmacology*
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Liver Neoplasms / pathology
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Protein Binding
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Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology
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Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects
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Tumor Cells, Cultured / metabolism
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alpha-Macroglobulins / metabolism
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alpha-Macroglobulins / pharmacology*
Substances
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Interleukin-6
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Recombinant Proteins
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Transforming Growth Factor beta
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alpha-Macroglobulins
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C-Reactive Protein