Augmentation of LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell growth factor production in macrophages by transforming growth factor-β1

The effect of LPS on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was examined using RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. LPS induced VEGF production in RAW 264.7 cells and mouse peritoneal cells. LPS induced VEGF production via the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and LPS-induced VEGF production was dependent on the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB activation·Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 augmented LPS-induced VEGF production, although TGF-β1 alone did not induce VEGF production. The augmentation of LPS-induced VEGF production by TGF-β1 was inhibited by a p38 MAPK inhibitor and was correlated with the phosphorylation of Smad3. The enhancing effect of TGF-β1 on LPS-induced VEGF production was observed in vivo in the skin lesions of mice receiving a subcutaneous injection of LPS. Taken together, it is suggested that LPS induced the VEGF production in macrophages and that it was augmented by TGF-β1 in vitro and in vivo.