Independence of growth factor induced plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) expression from the 4G/5G polymorphism of the PAI-1 gene

Abstract

Increased PAI-1 expression has been implicated in accelerating atherogenesis. Increases under some conditions are modulated by growth factors. Genetic factors such as the 4G/5G polymorphism in the promoter of the PAI-1 gene play a role under certain circumstances. The present study was designed to delineate for the first time interactions between growth factors and the 4G/5G polymorphism with respect to PAI-1 expression in human arterial smooth muscle cells (HASMC). HASMC were genotyped and exposed to growth factors. PAI-1 gene and protein expression were induced consistently by TGF-β (up to 4.0-fold), PDGF (2.1-fold) TNF-α (1.7-fold), and thrombin (2.3-fold). Results were similar regardless..