The p53-Mdm2 association in epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non-specific interstitial pneumonia

Background: Wild-type p53 is increased during cellular responses to various stresses. Mdm2, which is induced by p53, regulates p53 protein concentrations through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Aim: To investigate whether the Mdm2 mediated ubiquitination of p53 is associated with epithelial cell apoptosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods: Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were carried out on lung samples obtained by lung biopsy from patients with IPF and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Results: The expression of p53, phosphorylated p53, Mdm2, p21, and Bax was upregulated in epithelial cells from patients with IPF and NSIP compared with normal lung parenchyma. Except for p21, there was a significant increase in the expression of these factors in IPF compared with NSIP. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells and the number of p53 and Bax positive cells was increased compared with controls. p53 conjugated with Mdm2 was decreased in IPF compared with NSIP and controls. Ubiquitinated p53 was increased in both IPF and NSIP compared with controls. Conclusions: Signalling molecules associated with p53 mediated apoptosis may participate in epithelial cell apoptosis, and the attenuation of p53-Mdm2 conjugation and of p53 degradation may be involved in the epithelial cell apoptosis seen in IPF. Augmented epithelial apoptosis in IPF may lead to the poor prognosis compared with NSIP.