[The expressions of TGF-beta1 and Smad 2 mRNA on diseased glomeruli and their significance in the development of glomerulosclerosis].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the expressions of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and its signaling transduction molecule Smad 2 and their significance in the development of glomerulosclerosis.


METHODS
Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to detect Smad 2 mRNA expression and TGF-beta1, collagen IV, fibronectin expression in renal biopsies from 61 cases with a spectrum of glomerulonephritis including IgA nephropathy (40 cases), membranous glomerulonephritis (10 cases) and sclerosing glomerulonephritis (11 cases), compared with 11 cases of glomerular mild lesion with image analysis system.


RESULTS
With the exception of Smad 2 mRNA expression in mild type IgA nephropathy, all other types of diseased glomeruli showed increased expression of both TGF-beta1 and Smad 2 mRNA when compared with the 11 cases of mild glomerular lesions. The expressions of glomerular TGF-beta1 and Smad 2 mRNA positively correlated with collagen IV and fibronectin deposition in the glomeruli.


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-beta1 and Smad 2 may be involved in the excessive deposition of glomerular extracellular matrix and play an important role in the development of glomerulosclerosis.
Ruan
Yonghua
Y
Department of Pathology, Medical Center of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Zhang
Zhigang
Z
Zhang
Xiurong
X
Liu
Chen
C
Guo
Muyi
M
D024141:Collagen Type IV / Q000032:analysis; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000737:chemistry*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D051899:Smad2 Protein; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D024141:Collagen Type IV; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D005353:Fibronectins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C497782:SMAD2 protein, human; D051899:Smad2 Protein; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D015534:Trans-Activators; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1