Urinary transforming growth factor-β1 in feline chronic renal failure

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), an inflammatory cytokine, plays a role in tissue fibrosis, such as glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis of the kidneys. In the present study, the urinary TGF-β1 level of cats diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF) was measured to investigate its relationship to the pathogenesis of feline CRF. Urinary TGF-β1 levels (TGF-β1/creatinine ratio) were significantly increased compared with healthy controls, whereas serum levels of TGF-β1 were not. These results indicate that TGF-β1 is expressed in the kidneys of CRF cats, and that it was reflected in the urinary TGF-β1 level. Therefore, TGF-β1 may play a role in feline CRF, and urinary TGF-β1 could be used as a clinical marker for renal fibrosis.