Transforming growth factor-beta1 and its receptors in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) plays a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) by activating its specific receptors (T beta RI-T beta RIII). We investigated the expression of genes encoding for TGF-beta1 and T beta RI-III using RT-QPCR in patients with active and inactive UC and non-IBD controls. The localization and level of TGF-beta1 protein in intestinal tissue was estimated by immunohistochemistry, and serum TGF-beta1 concentrations were determined using ELISA. We found a significant increase in TGF-beta1 gene expression and increase in the expression of genes encoding receptor T beta RI in patients with active UC when compared with controls. The expression of genes encoding T beta RII was found to be higher in patients with both active and inactive UC when compared to controls. Specific staining for TGF-beta1 in fibroblasts was significantly greater in both active and inactive UC as compared to controls. The serum concentration of TGF-beta1 was significantly higher in patients with active UC when compared with controls as well as in UC patients with left side/total colonic extension when compared with those with disease limited to rectum/rectosigmoid area. However, no correlation between TGF-beta1 serum concentrations and UC activity index was found. Increases in TGF-beta1 gene expression and its protein level, associated with altered TGF-beta1 receptor profile indicate a functional role for TGF-beta1 in intestinal inflammatory/repair processes in UC. Increases in TGF-beta1 serum concentrations correlate with extension of disease.
Stadnicki
Antoni
A
Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. kpnb@slam.katowice.pl
Machnik
Grzegorz
G
Klimacka-Nawrot
Ewa
E
Wolanska-Karut
Anna
A
Labuzek
Krzysztof
K
D000328:Adult; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1