In contrast, TGF-β1 induced slight COX-2 expression at 4 h (without increase in myofibroblasts) and 24 h, but not at 72 h. Both IPF and control cultures incubated with TGF-β1 for 72 h showed diminished COX-2 induction, PGE2 secretion and α-SMA expression after IL-1β addition.
Interestingly, atypical alveolar epithelium, which associates with asbestosis and idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis and is considered to be a precursor lesion for lung cancer, expressed the Cox-2 protein.