[Expression of transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-beta-3) on reactive and malignant cells in ascites and pleural effusion].
METHODS
The expression of TGF-beta-3 was examined in 64 patients with reactive and malignant effusion by immunocytochemistry.


RESULTS
In about half of the patients with malignant effusions (especially breast cancer, gastric cancer, and carcinomas of unknown primary) TGF-beta positive tumor cells could be detected. We could show here for the first time that reactive mesothelial cells could also express TGF-beta. Lymphatic cells were negative in all cases. TGF-beta-3 bioactivity could also be detected in the effusions studied. In our group of patients with far advanced cancer, the expression of TGF-beta had no clear-cut clinical or prognostic correlate. However, the expression of TGF-beta on tumor cells should be interpreted as a marker of tumor progression, taking into account the fibrogenic, angiogenic and immunosuppressive properties of TGF-beta.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is necessary to answer the question if the 3 isoforms of TGF-beta are coordinately expressed and to elucidate the involvement of this cytokine in tumor progression and metastasis.
Munker
R
R
Medizinische Klinik III, Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Darsow
M
M
Stötzer
O
O
Kremer
J P
JP
Mezger
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000473:pathology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta
Expression von Transforming-growth-factor-beta-3 (TGF-beta-3) auf reaktiven und malignen Zellen in Aszites und Pleuraergüssen.