Upregulation of transforming growth factor-B1 gene in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the axial skeleton. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine that has the dual action of suppressing inflammatory cytokines and augmenting inflammation. The role of this cytokine in ankylosing spondylitis is still unknown. The current study purposed to determine TGF-B1 gene expression in ankylosing spondylitis. A case-control study of 48 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 47 age- and gender-matched healthy controls was conducted. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction with specific primers was used to measure the expression of TGF-B1 gene in participants. Clinical indices of the disease, including the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Metrology Index (BASMI), Functional Index (BASFI), and AS quality of life (ASQoL) were determined. The expression of TGF-B1 was compared between cases and controls. Correlations between gene expression and clinical indices were assessed. The expression of TGF-B1 was significantly higher in AS patients than in the control group (P-value < 0.0001). The change was 1.32-fold. There was no significant correlation between gene expression and AS clinical indices. The increase in TGF-B1 expression possibly demonstrates its activity in AS disease either in a regulatory role as a response to inflammation in the body or as the augmentation of inflammation which exacerbates the disease. Further research needs to be done on this issue to resolve this uncertainty.