Role of TGF-β1 and PDGF-B in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Eastern Anatolia Region in Turkey

Abstract

Background & objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum TGF-β1 and PDGF-B levels with the pathogenesis, clinical course and prognosis of adult Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) patients. Methods: 50 adult patients and 30 healthy individuals as a control group were included in the study, who were followed up and treated with the diagnosis of CCHF at the Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Clinic, between March 2017 and September 2019 in Eastern Anatolia Region in Turkey. Blood samples were taken from patients on the first day of their hospitalization and on the sixth day of their complaints. TGF-β1 and serum PDGF-B levels were studied by ELISA method using commercial kits, from serum samples taken from CCHF patient group and individuals in healthy control group and stored at -80°C. Results: While the serum TGF- β1 levels of patients with CCHF were found to be significantly higher on the sixth day of their complaints compared to the first day of hospitalization (42.33 ± 15.42, 28.40 ± 7.06, p = 0.001, respectively), the serum PGDF-B levels were found to be significantly lower on the sixth day of their complaints compared to those measured on the day of hospitalization (62.14 ± 19.75, 93.96 ± 20.02, respectively, p = 0.001). Interpretation & conclusion: Serum TGF-β1 levels are higher and PDGF-B levels are lower in CCHF patients with severe disease, indicating that serum TGF-β1 and PDGF-B play an important role in the pathogenesis of CCHF.