Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: June 10, 2016
[The relationship between transforming growth factor-beta1, platelet derived growth factor and airway remodeling in
Huai-chen Li1, Jin Zhang, Chen Huang
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250021, China.
Objective:
To study the relationship between the expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and airway remodeling in eosinophilic bronchitis (EB).
Methods:
Bronchial biopsy specimens were obtained from 12 patients with EB (A group), 10 asthmatic patients (B group) and 10 patients (C group) with peripheral lung cancer in early stage. The subepithelial basement membrane (SBM) thickness was measured by light microscopy using HE staining. The expressions of TGF-beta(1) and PDGF in the bronchial mucosa were examined by immunostaining.
Results:
The SBM of A group [(6.3 +/- 1.4) micro m] was significantly thicker than that of C group [(4.1 +/- 1.2) micro m, P < 0.05], but significantly thinner than that of B group [(8.2 +/- 1.5) micro m]. The numbers of positive cells for TGF-beta(1) and PDGF in A group (59 +/- 9, 47 +/- 7 respectively) and B group (85 +/- 12, 76 +/- 11, respectively) were significantly higher than those in C group (31 +/- 4, 20 +/- 3, respectively), and were positively correlated with SBM thickness (r = 0.76, 0.52, P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
These results suggest that TGF-beta(1) and PDGF expressions in bronchial mucosa may play a role in bronchial subepithelial fibrosis in EB patients.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
TGF - β Signaling Pathway