Differentiation potential of pancreatic fibroblastoid cells/stellate cells: effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligands.

Pancreatic stellate cells have been investigated mostly for their activation process, supposed to support the development of pancreatic disease. Few studies have been presented on reversal of the activation process in vitro. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been used as antidiabetics and have now been reported to exert antifibrotic activity. We tested effects of natural and synthetic ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) on human pancreatic fibroblastoid cells (hPFCs) in search for specificity of action. Ciglitazone, as a prototype of TZDs, was shown to have reversible growth inhibitory effects on human pancreatic fibroblastoid cells/stellate cells. Cells treated with ciglitazone for three days showed enhanced lipid content and induction of proteins involved in lipid metabolism. Collagen synthesis was reduced in hPFC. Interaction of PPARγ with DNA binding sites upon ligand binding was shown by gel shift analysis. These findings point toward a potential for adipocyte differentiation in human pancreatic fibroblastoid cells.