Serum level of transforming growth factor-beta1 in major idiopathic interstitial pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Different inflammatory cytokines play a role in the mechanism and pathogenesis of fibrosis in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) has become a subject of interest. The aim of the work is to measure the serum level of TGF-β1 in different forms of major IIP and to find out its relation to the patients’ clinical and arterial blood gases’ parameters. Results: The patients’ group showed significant elevation of serum level of TGF-β1 in comparison with the control group (P value < 0.001). In patients with IPF, the serum level of TGF-β1 was not significantly increased compared to patients with other forms of major IIP (mean ± SD = 300 ± 84.52 versus 340 ± 131.20 pg/ml, P value = 0.32). There was an inverse negative correlation between the age and serum level of TGF-β1 (r = − 0.39; P = 0.03). An inverse non-significant correlation was found between the serum level of TGF-β1 and the dyspnoea score (r = − 0.30, P = 0.11). However, there was a significant positive correlation between the serum level of TGF-β1 and the distance of 6-MWT (r = 0.44; P = 0.02). It was also found that there was a positive correlation between the serum level of TGF-β1 and both arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) (r = 0.39, P = 0.03) and arterial oxygen saturation (r = 0.33, P = 0.07). Conclusion: Serum level of TGF-β1 is elevated in patients with IIP and it positively correlated to both 6-MWD and PaO2. Further larger studies are needed to evaluate its prognostic value.