Neutralization of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 activity reduced fibrosis and enhanced regeneration of glycerol-injured rat muscle.

Recently, we have shown that glycerol induces early fibrosis in rat muscles which persists up to two weeks after injury. The current study aims to determine the possible factor associated with fibrosis of rat muscle following glycerol injury. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats received either glycerol only (as a control) or a co-treatment of neutralizing antibody to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (5 and 12.5 µg). Both antibody doses significantly decreased fibrosis and improved muscle regeneration suggesting that anti-TGF-β1 antibody has both anti-fibrotic and myogenic effects. In conclusion, fibrosis developed in glycerol-injured rat muscles, might be mediated, in part, by the upregulation of TGF-β1 expression. Targeting TGF-β1 could be a promising approach for inhibiting fibrosis and enhancing muscle regeneration.