Identification and association of TGFβ-1 expression in patients with asthma in a Polish population - Lodz metropolitan area study.

Objective: Interaction of genotype and environment results in a specific phenotype of the clinical course of asthma. TGFβ-1 gene belongs to the important group of genes involved in the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration of a variety of cell types. TGFβ-1 is inhibitory for B and T cells, as well as IgE production. In particular, it is engaged in inflammation of the bronchi and airway remodeling in asthma, which processes are critical in the pathogenesis of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the level of expression of TGFβ-1 and the severity of asthma.

Methods: The study included 39 participants (20 healthy subjects and 19 patients with asthma). Each sample was analysed by using real time PCR.

Results: There was statistical associations between the control group and the group of patients (p = 0,00007). It was demonstrated strong correlation between healthy and patients with severe asthma according GINA guidelines (p = 0,017). It was found the strong statistical correlation between healthy and patients with severe corticosteroid dependent asthma (p = 0,013). Correlations were observed between levels of asthma severity according to the ATS guidelines and controls. The influence of the level of TGFβ-1 mRNA expression and the severity of asthma (ATS) in the FEV1 (%) parameter value was found.

Conclusion: It was found that an important role is played by TGFβ-1 in the pathogenesis of asthma.