Correlation between Levels of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) serum with Clinical Outcome on Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Strokes

Abstract

Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) was a major regulatory molecule to suppress the immune response in the inflammatory process. TGFβ was also a growth factor that affects growth, homeostasis, angiogenesis and tissue repair. In the acute phase of stroke, astrocytes were activated and the cells were able to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TGFβ. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between serum levels of TGFβ at acute phase of ischemic stroke and patients’ clinical outcomes. The study was conducted in patients with acute anterior system ischemic stroke who came to Siloam Hospital in Tangerang, Indonesia. Blood samples were taken to measure the levels of TGFβ-1serum at ≤ 72 hours and the 3rd day of onset. Clinical severity of stroke assessed using the National Institute of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale at 72 hours, 7th days and 30th days after stroke. The mean serum levels of TGFβ-1 at ≤ 72 hours in the group of subjects with mild NIH Stroke Scale degree was higher than in the group of subjects with moderate/severe NIH Stroke Scale degree (p = 0.046). The subjects with elevated levels of TGF-β1 in the acute phase of stroke had better clinical degrees at the 30th day after the stroke, although statistically was not significant (p = 0.241). Result of this study showed that TGFβ-1 may act as a neuroprotector against brain tissue damage after ischemic stroke.