Transforming growth factor beta in chronic obstructive sialadenitis of human submandibular gland.
BACKGROUND
The exact pathomechanism of inflammation progress and fibrosis in chronic obstructive sialadenitis is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess whether there is an association between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and fibrogenic process of chronic sialadenitis.


METHODS
Tissue samples of 12 patients with chronic sialadenitis and 4 normal tissue samples of the submandibular gland were examined immunohistochemically for identification of TGF-beta. TGF-beta1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was analysed semiquantitatively using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis to correlate its expression levels with stages of the disease.


RESULTS
TGF-beta positive cells could be found in the secretory duct system of all examined samples. However, an intense TGF-beta immunoreactivity was observed in inflamed salivary glands. With progress of disease TGF-beta1 mRNA expression increases significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of TGF-beta in chronic sialadenitis and its apparent increase in advanced stages of the disease, suggests that this growth factor may play a role in glandular fibrosis.
Teymoortash
Afshin
A
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Philipps University, Deutschhausstreet 3, 35037 Marburg, Germany. teymoort@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Tiemann
Markus
M
Schrader
Carsten
C
Hartmann
Oliver
O
Werner
Jochen A
JA
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004586:Electrophoresis / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D012333:RNA, Messenger; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1