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Elevated plasma levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in NIDDM
A Pfeiffer1, K Middelberg-Bisping, C Drewes
1Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany. andreas.pfeiffer@rz.ruhr.uni-bochum.de
Objective:
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent inducer of extracellular matrix production and of fibrogenesis and has been associated with the occurrence of diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications. Our aim was to determine whether circulating levels of TGF-beta 1 are altered in NIDDM and, if so, whether they are correlated with blood glucose and show an association with diabetic complications.
Research Design And Methods:
Plasma levels of TGF-beta 1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 44 NIDDM patients and 28 control subjects of comparable age and weight and were correlated with parameters of metabolic control and the occurrence of micro- and macrovascular complications.
Results:
TGF-beta 1 was significantly elevated in NIDDM (7.9 +/- 1.0 ng/ml), as compared with control subjects (3.1 +/- 0.4 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin (r2 = 0.42; P < 0.001). Thrombocyte levels of TGF-beta 1 were similar in control subjects (54 +/- 7 pg/ml, n = 16) and diabetic patients (61.6 +/- 18 pg/ml, n = 13; P = 0.357). Elevated TGF-beta 1 levels were associated with retinopathy and neuropathy.
Conclusions:
We conclude that plasma levels of TGF-beta 1 are elevated in NIDDM patients and may be related to average blood glucose. Preliminary data suggest that they may contribute to the occurrence of diabetic complications.