[Role of TGF-beta in glomerular diseases]

Accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a major histological change in glomerular diseases that progress to chronic renal failure. Such accumulation can be mediated by increased production of molecular signal such as cytokines. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) has a combined effect of enhancing the synthesis of ECM, while inhibiting the proteolytic degradation of newly formed matrix proteins. TG1-F beta 1 has stimulative effects on the production of ECM by cultured rat mesangial cells. In an experimental glomerulonephritis, there was a close association between elevated expression of the TGF-beta 1 mRNA and development of glomerulonephritis. Treatment of glomerulonephritic rats with antiserum directed to a synthetic peptide from mature TGF-beta 1 prevented the histological accumulation of ECM in glomeruli. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may participate in glomerular matrix expansion.