Age-related changes of transforming growth factor beta1 in Japanese children.
BACKGROUND
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta 1) is an important factor in immunomodulation. The expression of TGF beta 1 has been shown to be influenced by the C-509T polymorphism in the TGF beta 1 gene. We investigated age-related changes of plasma TGF beta 1 levels in a birth-cohort study. In addition, the genotypes of the C-509T polymorphism were investigated in allergic and non-allergic subjects.


METHODS
Sixty-four neonates who met the following criteria were enrolled in this cohort study: 1) full-term vaginally delivery; 2) underwent DNA polymorphism analysis; and 3) questionnaire forms were filled out by parents at 0, 6 and 14 months of age. The umbilical cord blood at 0 months and peripheral blood at 6, and 14 months were collected. Plasma TGF beta1 levels were measured at 0, 6 and 14 months of age. Genomic DNA was extracted from their umbilical cord blood. The genotype of the subjects was examined for the presence of C-509T.


RESULTS
The plasma TGF beta 1 level at 6 months was the highest of the 3 measurements (at 0, 6, and 14 months of age). The TGF beta 1 levels at 14 months in allergic subjects were significantly higher than those in non-allergic subjects (p = 0.03). All subjects with bronchial asthma (n = 3) had the TT genotype of the C-509T polymorphism.


CONCLUSIONS
The plasma TGF beta 1 levels change with age. In addition, TGF beta 1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
Morimoto
Masahiro
M
Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
Matsui
Eiko
E
Kawamoto
Norio
N
Sakurai
Satomi
S
Kaneko
Hideo
H
Fukao
Toshiyuki
T
Iwasa
Shinichi
S
Shiraki
Makoto
M
Kasahara
Kimiko
K
Kondo
Naomi
N
D000367:Age Factors; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D007073:Immunoglobulin E