[The role of transforming growth factor-beta(1) in smoking-induced chronic bronchitis and emphysema in hamsters].
OBJECTIVE
To study the role of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in the pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.


METHODS
An animal model of chronic bronchitis and emphysema was developed in hamsters by chronic smoke inhalation. The expression of TGF-beta(1) mRNA and protein in the pulmonary tissue was observed. The bronchial epithelia was stimulated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in vitro and the expression of TGF-beta(1) was measured.


RESULTS
3 months after smoking, the animals developed chronic bronchitis and emphysema. TGF-beta(1) immunoreactivity in the pulmonary tissue and cultured bronchial epithelia increased significantly as compared to the normal control (2.75 +/- 0.23 vs 0.84 +/- 0.39, P = 0.001 and 2.67 +/- 0.16 vs 0.85 +/- 0.54, P = 0.001). The expression of TGF-beta(1) mRNA was also increased in the animal model (1.28 vs 0.98).


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking can induce over-expression of TGF-beta(1) in bronchial epithelia, which may be one of the mechanisms for smoking-induced chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Department of Pathology, Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100037, China.
Li
L
Li
Yingmao
Y
Ruan
Ying
Y
Chen
Yan
Y
Chu
Xinlin
X
Xu
D000818:Animals; D029481:Bronchitis, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006224:Cricetinae; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008647:Mesocricetus; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1