Transforming growth factor beta-1 as a predictor of fibrosis in tuberculous pleurisy.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the influence of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta(1)) in the development of pleural thickening in tuberculosis (TB), the levels of TGF-beta(1) in pleural fluid and in serum of patients with pleural TB and transudative effusions were determined.


METHODS
TGF-beta(1) was quantified in 58 pleural fluid and serum samples of patients with TB (n = 50) or transudative effusions (n = 8). Pleural thickening evaluated by high-resolution CT was scored as 0 (<3 mm); 1 (>or=3 and <10 mm) or 2 (>or=10 mm).


RESULTS
The highest pleural fluid TGF-beta(1) levels before treatment for TB were observed in patients with a pleural thickness score of 2. Of the 14 patients with score 1, five regressed to 0, five progressed to 2, and four maintained 1. All 17 patients with score 2 maintained this evaluation. Patients who presented score 1 and progressed to 2 had higher TGF-beta(1) levels than those who maintained the same score or regressed (score 1 or 0). Patients with score 2 (before or after treatment) had higher TGF-beta(1) levels than those with score 0 or 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Pleural fluid and serum TGF-beta(1) levels were higher in patients with TB, with a correlation between pleural fluid TGF-beta(1) levels before treatment and the degree of pleural thickening. This finding suggests that TGF-beta(1) might be considered as a predictor of pleural thickening in pleural tuberculosis.
Seiscento
Márcia
M
Laboratory of Pleura, Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. 600@uol.com.br
Vargas
Francisco S
FS
Antonangelo
Leila
L
Acencio
Milena M P
MM
Bombarda
Sidney
S
Capelozzi
Vera L
VL
Teixeira
Lisete R
LR
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D014396:Tuberculosis, Pleural / Q000473:pathology*
D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1