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Published on: August 3, 2018
Age-related changes of transforming growth factor beta1 in Japanese children
Masahiro Morimoto1, Eiko Matsui, Norio Kawamoto
1Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
Insights
Plasma levels of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta 1) change with age. Elevated TGF beta 1 in allergic individuals suggests its role in bronchial asthma development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta 1) is crucial for immunomodulation.
- The C-509T polymorphism in the TGF beta 1 gene influences its expression.
- Investigating age-related TGF beta 1 changes and its genetic link to allergies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age-related changes in plasma TGF beta 1 levels.
- To investigate the association between the TGF beta 1 C-509T polymorphism and allergic status.
- To explore the potential role of TGF beta 1 in bronchial asthma pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- A birth-cohort study involving 64 neonates.
- Collection of blood samples at birth, 6, and 14 months for TGF beta 1 level measurement.
- DNA extraction and genotyping for the TGF beta 1 C-509T polymorphism.
Main Results:
- Plasma TGF beta 1 levels peaked at 6 months.
- Allergic subjects showed significantly higher TGF beta 1 levels at 14 months compared to non-allergic subjects.
- Bronchial asthma patients (n=3) exclusively possessed the TT genotype for the C-509T polymorphism.
Conclusions:
- Plasma TGF beta 1 levels exhibit dynamic changes throughout infancy.
- TGF beta 1 is implicated in the development of bronchial asthma.
- The C-509T polymorphism may be associated with asthma risk.
Background:
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta 1) is an important factor in immunomodulation. The expression of TGF beta 1 has been shown to be influenced by the C-509T polymorphism in the TGF beta 1 gene. We investigated age-related changes of plasma TGF beta 1 levels in a birth-cohort study. In addition, the genotypes of the C-509T polymorphism were investigated in allergic and non-allergic subjects.
Methods:
Sixty-four neonates who met the following criteria were enrolled in this cohort study: 1) full-term vaginally delivery; 2) underwent DNA polymorphism analysis; and 3) questionnaire forms were filled out by parents at 0, 6 and 14 months of age. The umbilical cord blood at 0 months and peripheral blood at 6, and 14 months were collected. Plasma TGF beta1 levels were measured at 0, 6 and 14 months of age. Genomic DNA was extracted from their umbilical cord blood. The genotype of the subjects was examined for the presence of C-509T.
Results:
The plasma TGF beta 1 level at 6 months was the highest of the 3 measurements (at 0, 6, and 14 months of age). The TGF beta 1 levels at 14 months in allergic subjects were significantly higher than those in non-allergic subjects (p = 0.03). All subjects with bronchial asthma (n = 3) had the TT genotype of the C-509T polymorphism.
Conclusions:
The plasma TGF beta 1 levels change with age. In addition, TGF beta 1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
