Serum Transforming Growth Factor –β1 (TGF-β1) in Asthmatics: Association between Disease Control, Severity and Duration

Abstract

Rationale: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many cells and cellular elements play a role. Assessment of airway remodelling by analysis of blood and sputum markers has been developed as non-invasive procedures to bypass tissue biopsy. Aim of the work: evaluate the usefulness of estimation of serum TGF-β1, as non- invasive markers of airway remodelling in patients with bronchial asthma and correlation between its level and degree of asthma control, severity and duration. Patients and Methods: the study included 68 asthmatics and 20 controls. They were classified according to level of control, severity and duration. Blood samples were taken to estimate the serum levels of TGF-β1. Results: the serum level of TGF-β1 was significantly higher in asthmatics than controls and in patients with uncontrolled asthma compared to controlled (P<0.001). It was significantly higher in severe and moderate asthma than with mild asthma (P<0.000) and in patients with disease duration >5 years compared to disease duration <5 years (P˂0.001). Significant positive correlation between TGF-β1 and FEV1 (P<0.001) were recorded. Conclusion: Serum TGF-β1 could be considered as non-invasive markers of airway remodelling, severity of airflow limitation and as predictor of degree of asthma control.