Serum Levels Of TGF-β1 Research Articles

Correlation of biochemical markers and inflammatory cytokines in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

IntroductionAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that severely affects neurodevelopment, and its underlying causes are not yet entirely understood. Research suggests that there may be a connection between the occurrence of ASD and changes in immune responses. This study aims to know if some biochemical and inflammatory cytokines are promising biomarkers for ASD and whether they are involved in the pathogenesis of ASD.MethodsThe serum levels of CRP, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-10, 1 L-8, and IL-6 were measured in all of the patients (n = 22) and in the healthy (n = 12) children using ELISA method.ResultsThe serum concentrations of IL-10 and IL-8 were significantly lower in the ASD patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05) and there were not significant differences between CRP, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-1β levels in two groups. There were positive correlations between CRP and IL-10, also CRP and IL-8, in ASD group. In contrast to the ASD patients, the correlations of IL-8, IL-10, and CRP were not significant in the control group.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of certain biochemical markers and inflammatory cytokines in ASD. Specifically, the lower levels of IL-10 and IL-8 in ASD patients, along with the significant correlations between CRP and these cytokines, suggest an altered immune response in individuals with ASD. These findings support the hypothesis that immune dysregulation may be involved in ASD pathogenesis. Further research is needed to explore these biomarkers and their mechanistic links to ASD, which could lead to improved diagnostics or therapeutic strategies.

Correlation of T Regulatory Cells, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated Antigen 4, and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 with Treatment Response in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Dasatinib Therapy.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors improve chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) outcomes. Dasatinib inhibits breakpoint cluster region-Abelson 1 proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase better than imatinib in CML. T-regulatory cells prevent autoimmune diseases and aberrant immune responses by reducing oncoprotein antigen reactivity. They also reduce self-antigen-induced immune responses to maintain peripheral tolerance. In this study, T-regulatory cells in peripheral blood of chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase patients were measured, together with serum levels of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 at diagnosis and 3 months postdasatinib therapy. The Pathology and Clinical Haematology Departments at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India, conducted this prospective analytical study. Forty CML-chronic patients and 10 healthy controls were analyzed. Flow cytometry was used to determine T-regulatory cell percentage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of newly diagnosed CML patients before and after 3 months of dasatinib treatment; ELISA was used to measure serum levels of CTLA-4 and TGF-β1. T-regulatory cells, CTLA-4, and TGF-β1 significantly decreased in CML-chronic phase patients after 3 months of dasatinib therapy compared to the initial diagnosis. No significant change in T-regulatory cell, CTLA-4, or TGF-β1 percentages were seen between responders and poor responders. However, responders had a lower percentage of T-regulatory cells than suboptimal responders. The study concluded that dasatinib treatment improved response in CML patients with decreased Treg cells. Dasatinib reduces Treg-mediated immunological suppression, reducing CTLA-4 and TGF-β1 levels.

Jianpi-Huatan-Huoxue-Anshen formula ameliorates gastrointestinal inflammation and microecological imbalance in chemotherapy-treated mice transplanted with H22 hepatocellular carcinoma.

Jianpi-Huatan-Huoxue-Anshen formula [Tzu-Chi cancer-antagonizing & life-protecting II decoction (TCCL)] is a Chinese medical formula that has been clinically shown to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients and improve their quality of life. However, its effect and mechanism on the intestinal microecology after chemotherapy are not yet clear. To discover the potential mechanisms of TCCL on gastrointestinal inflammation and microecological imbalance in chemotherapy-treated mice transplanted with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ninety-six mice were inoculated subcutaneously with HCC cells. One week later, the mice received a large dose of 5-fluorouracil by intraperitoneal injection to establish a HCC chemotherapy model. Thirty-six mice were randomly selected before administration, and feces, ileal tissue, and ileal contents were collected from each mouse. The remaining mice were randomized into normal saline, continuous chemotherapy, Yangzheng Xiaoji capsules-treated, and three TCCL-treated groups. After treatment, feces, tumors, liver, spleen, thymus, stomach, jejunum, ileum, and colon tissues, and ileal contents were collected. Morphological changes, serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-22, TNF-α, and TGF-β, intestinal SIgA, and protein and mRNA expression of ZO-1, NF-κB, Occludin, MUC-2, Claudin-1, and IκB-α in colon tissues were documented. The effect of TCCL on the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora was analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing. TCCL treatment improved thymus and spleen weight, thymus and spleen indexes, and body weight, decreased tumor volumes and tumor tissue cell density, and alleviated injury to gastric, ileal, and colonic mucosal tissues. Among proteins and genes associated with inflammation, IL-10, TGF-β, SIgA, ZO-1, MUC-2, and Occludin were upregulated, whereas NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-22, IL-8, and IκB-α were downregulated. Additionally, TCCL increased the proportions of fecal Actinobacteria, AF12, Adlercreutzia, Clostridium, Coriobacteriaceae, and Paraprevotella in the intermediate stage of treatment, decreased the proportions of Mucipirillum, Odoribacter, RF32, YS2, and Rikenellaceae but increased the proportions of p_Deferribacteres and Lactobacillus at the end of treatment. Studies on ileal mucosal microbiota showed similar findings. Moreover, TCCL improved community richness, evenness, and the diversity of fecal and ileal mucosal flora. TCCL relieves pathological changes in tumor tissue and chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal injury, potentially by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory factors to repair the gastrointestinal mucosa, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and maintaining gastrointestinal microecological balance. Hence, TCCL is a very effective adjuvant to chemotherapy.

Accuracy of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta in Serum and Synovial Fluid as Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognostic Factors

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) An autoimmunity of the joints which is now seen as a major public health concern. Therefore, finding new biomarkers is crucial to improve RA sufferers' quality of life. Several cytokines increased the inflammatory cascade which linked to pathophysiology of RA. This investigation aimed to determine the validity of transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) in synovial fluid and serum as prognostic factor and which one is better for rheumatoid arthritis disease follow up. Material and Methods: In Al-Saddar Medical City Rheumatology Unit in the Najaf governorate, 80 patients were included in case-control research. These patients were identified by specialized who classified the patients according to stages of disease into mild stage (stage 1 and 2) and aggressive (stage 3 and 4 who had knee effusion and synovial fluid separation). Venous blood samples (3ml) drawn from patients and controls were transferred to a gel tube for serum separation that used to measure the TGF-β1 level in accordance (BT LAB/China), RF level and anti-CCP level by ELISA assay. knee synovial fluid was collected from RA patients in aggressive stage and from patient suffering from knee trauma as control group which included 18 patients not have RA. The result demonstrated that Females and aged individuals in AL-NAJAF province more incidence with RA disease. TGF-β1 serum level increased significantly with disease severity and positive correlated with ACCP autoantibody, according to ROC prognosis analysis AUC of TGF-β1 serum level was excellent 0.9 with 100% sensitivity and specificity. While ROC analysis for TGF-β1 synovial fluid was 0.8 with 77.8% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity Conclusion: Using ROC analysis, which supported good TGF level in both serum and synovial fluid diagnosis accuracy and enabled more sensitive and precise discrimination in RA disease. Instead of using synovial fluid separation as a diagnostic for excellent prognosis in RA disease, TGF-β1 and ACCP blood levels can help patients avoid discomfort and stress.

Effect of anesthetic technique on antitumor immunity in patients undergoing surgery for gall bladder cancer: A prospective randomized comparative study.

There is a paucity of literature regarding the effect of anesthetic techniques on antitumor immunity, especially in gall bladder malignancies. We designed a study to compare the effect of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia and sevoflurane-based general anesthesia-on antitumor immunity, including tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β), T-helper cell profile, and inflammatory markers. A pilot prospective randomized trial was conducted in 64 patients undergoing surgery for gall bladder malignancy under general anesthesia in a tertiary specialty cancer hospital. Adult cancer patients of ASA physical status I-III fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized to either group S (sevoflurane-based general anesthesia) or group T (propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia). Preoperative (morning of surgery) and postoperative (24 h and 1 month after surgery) blood samples were obtained. Demographic profile and preoperative parameters were comparable between both groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the postoperative value of TGF-β (higher in group T). There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative interleukin-17A value (indicative of TH17 cells), and it was found to be higher in group S. Propofol-based TIVA increases serum TGF-β levels. At the same time, Sevoflurane modulates T-helper cells-based immunity to increase TH17 cells in patients with gall bladder cancer. Multiple larger studies will be required to validate the results and provide useful recommendations.

Exploring the role of TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-6 serum levels in categorical and noncategorical models of mood and psychosis

Psychotic and mood disorders are discussed as part of the same continuum. The potential role of immune dysregulation in defining their clinical presentations, however, remains unclear. Differences in TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β levels were investigated in 143 patients with schizophrenia (SCH = 63) and bipolar disorder (BD = 80), in remission. Cytokines were evaluated against the dimensional assessment of psychosis and affective symptoms using the schizo-bipolar scale, together with the severity of the same symptom domains measured by the brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS). Lower TGF-β was associated with more lifetime episodes, family risk for psychosis, and more severe mood and psychotic symptoms in all patients. BPRS Affect symptoms domain correlated with lower TGF-β levels in BD, and higher TGF-β levels in SCH patients. Using moderated mediation analysis, TGF-β was a relevant predictor only in the setting of non-categorical symptom distribution, with familial risk for psychosis confirmed as a significant moderator. Severity of BPRS Affect symptoms domain was an independent predictor of inclination towards the psychosis spectrum. The underlying immune dysregulation may be shared by the disorders, rather than a unique characteristic of each, having significant implications for our understanding of the continuum vs. categorical approach to psychosis and mood disorders.

Diagnoses Bacterial Wound Infection and Detection of Some Immune Parameters in its

This study aims to diagnoses bacterial wound infection and to estimate the serum levels of TLR-3, CXCL8, TGF-β1, IL-8, IL-17 and IL-22 in wound patients. This study had been included 140 samples (blood and swab) obtained from patients found in Baquba-Teaching Hospital from 15/ 6 /2023 to 20 /3 /2024. Swab samples taken from wound were culture on the blood agar and MacConkey agar, and then Bacteria diagnoses was done by using an automatic VITEK 2 system. The serum levels of immune parameters done by ELISA. The results shown that sixty isolates were grow in culture, the results indicated of 38(63.3%) isolates of gram-negative bacteria, represented by: 12 (20%) isolates E. coli, 18 (30%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 6 (10%) Protus spp., 2 (3.3%) Acinetobacter spp. the results indicated of 22 (36.6%) isolates of gram-positive bacteria, represented by: 16 (26.6%) isolates Staphylococcus aureus, 4 (6.6 %) another Staphylococcus spp., 2 (3.3%) Enterococcus spp. The study also shown the a increase in the concentration of TLR-3 , CXCL8 , IL-2 , IL-17 and IL-22 in the serum of bacterial patients compared with the healthy, Where the results of the current study show decreases in the concentration of TGF-β1 among compared with healthy. In conclusion, it was discovered that the infection of bacteria in wound infection was lower in females than males. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus were found to be the highly isolated bacteria wound infection, with increases levels of TLR-3, CXCL8, IL-17 and IL-22 in serum in patients and decreases level of TGF-β1 in serum of patients.

Blood serum TGF-β1 content in children with new coronavirus infection

Impaired serum TGF-β1 production is one of the proposed mechanisms for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Study objective: to study blood serum TGF-β1 content in children with new coronavirus infection.Materials and methods: a one-stage study was conducted in 119 patients with COVID-19 and compared with 118 healthy children of the same age and sex as a control group. The age range in both groups was 11.0 years. Preschoolers (0–6 years old) and schoolchildren (7–17 years old) in the group with COVID-19 were 21 (18%) and 98 (82%), respectively. Children with COVID-19 were divided into asymptomatic (n=23), mild (n=61), and moderate (n=35) subgroups. Serum samples for TGF-β1 concentration analysis were taken from all patients and tested by flow fluorimetry. The data were processed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25.0 software package (International Business Machines Corporation, license No Z125-3301-14, USA).Results: median serum TGF-β1 levels of children 0–17 years old with COVID-19 regardless of the form of severity were significantly higher than in the control group. The serum concentration of TGF-β1 in children with COVID-19 of preschool age was increased comparing to schoolchildren. Children 0-6 years old with a moderate form of coronavirus infection had high serum TGF-β1 values when compared with school-age patients.Conclusion: elevated serum TGF-β1 levels were found in children both without clinical manifestations and with symptoms of coronavirus infection, reaching maximum values in the moderate form in children 0–6 years old.

Endothelial mesenchymal transition promotes pannus formation in ankylosing spondylitis byactivation of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway.

To explore the role of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) mediated by the TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Serum levels of TGF-β1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 48 patients with AS and 15 healthy subjects. The expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD7, CTGF, CD34 and EndMT-related markers (α-SMA, vimentin, FSP-1, VE-cadherin) in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) of three AS patients were detected by immunohistochemistry, and three non-spondyloarthritis (SpA) autopsy samples were used as controls. Serum TGF-β1 level of AS patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (22971 ± 7667 pg/ml vs. 14837±4653 pg/ml, p<0.01). Compared with the non-SpA control group, the microvascular density (MVD) at the pannus formation site of SIJ in AS patients was significantly increased, accompanied by respectively increased expressions of TGF-β1, CTGF, α-SMA, vimentin, and FSP-1 (all p<0.05), whereas respectively decreased expressions of VE-cadherin and SMAD7 (p<0.01). The expression level of FSP-1 was positively correlated with levels of TGF-β1 and MVD, and negatively correlated with SMAD7. Our findings show that EndMT is involved in the promotion of pannus formation by TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway activation in AS.

Pancreatitis pain quality changes at year 1 follow-up, but GP130 remains a biomarker for pain

Background/objectivesDebilitating abdominal pain is a common symptom affecting patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). CP pain is dynamic due to multiple underlying mechanisms. The objective of this study was to 1) evaluate changes in pain phenotype at one year follow-up and 2) validate putative pain biomarkers in a prospective cohort study. MethodsThe Neuropathic and Nociceptive PROMIS-PQ questionnaires were used to classify pain for participants with in the PROCEED study. Putative serum biomarkers were measured via immunoassay. ResultsAt enrollment, 17.6 % (120/681) subjects with CP reported no pain in the previous year. Of those, 29 % experienced pain during the 1 yr follow-up whereas 18 % of those with pain prior to enrollment reported no pain during the 1 yr follow-up period. Of the 393 subjects with PROMIS-PQ data at enrollment, 212 also had follow-up data at 1 yr. Approximately half (53.3 %) of those individuals changed pain phenotype between baseline and follow-up. At 1 yr, serum TGFβ1 level was negatively correlated with nociceptive T-scores (p = 0.006). GP130 was significantly correlated with both nociceptive (p = 0.012) and neuropathic T-scores (p = 0.043) at 1 yr, which is consistent with the previously published findings. ConclusionsThe positive association between TGFβ1 and pain is not maintained over time, suggesting it is a poor pain biomarker. However, serum GP130 is a consistent biomarker for mixed-type pain in CP. Preclinical studies show that targeting TGFβ1 or IL-6 (ligand for GP130) is sufficient to inhibit CP pain supporting further investigation of this as a potential therapeutic target.

Impacts of circulating cytokine levels and gene polymorphism predisposition on type 1 diabetes mellitus.

A wide range of cytokines has been demonstrated to be involved in the etiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Gene polymorphisms may potentially contribute to a hereditary predisposition toward circulating cytokine levels as (high, intermediate, or low) since they can affect cytokine production or function. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of cytokine levels and the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within cytokine genes with T1DM in Saudi children. Totals of 91 well-characterized T1DM patients and 91 T1DM-free control subjects were enrolled in this study. The levels of 3 circulating cytokines (transforming growth factor [TGF]-β1, interleukin [IL]-10, and IL-6) and 6 SNPs in 3 cytokine genes (TGF-β1 [rs1800470 and rs1800471], IL-10 [rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872], and IL-6 [rs1800795]) that contribute to genetic susceptibility were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. Our fn dings show that TGF-β1 serum levels were signifcantly lower in the children with T1DM than in the control participants. The TGF-β1 genotypes with a high-production phenotype were signifcantly less frequent and those with a lowproduction phenotype were signifcantly more frequent in the children with T1DM compared to the control participants. respectively. Furthermore, the IL-6 genotype frequency with low level of IL-6 production were signifcantly increased in the T1DM group compared to the control group. Moreover, our data demonstrated no appreciable diferences in circulating serum level or genotype and phenotype of IL- 10 between the patients and controls. This kind of measurement, which considers the prediction of T1DM, may be useful in assessing the severity of T1DM and susceptibility to T1DM among Saudi children.

Pharmacological Study of Guben Yifei-Tang on a Rat Model of Pneumoconiosis

Background Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis is a progressively worsening lung disease that poses a serious threat to human health. Current treatment options are limited and generally ineffective. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of GubenYifei-Tang (GB) in a rat model of pneumoconiosis. Materials and Methods We established a chronic pneumoconiosis model in rats through intratracheal injection of silica dust. Subsequently, the rats were randomly assigned to various groups, including the model group (NC group), Hanfangji Masu tablet group (TET group), high-dose GB group (GB-H group), low-dose GB group (GB-L group), and a blank control group comprising 12 normal rats (NC group). We assessed blood biochemical, vascular endothelial function, immunoinflammatory factors, and oxidative stress indices in four rats from each group at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of administration. Results Throughout the 6-month administration period, rats in the GB-L and GB-H groups displayed no significant abnormalities in their general condition or body weight. Both high and low doses of GB significantly reduced the respiratory rate and increased the respiratory amplitude of the pneumoconiosis model rats ( p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, they significantly decreased the mean pulmonary arterial pressure of these rats ( p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, we observed noteworthy improvements in blood gas indices and hypoxemia symptoms, including increased pH, decreased arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, increased arterial oxygen partial pressure, and arterial oxygen saturation. Compared to the NC group, the model group rats exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of serum transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 ( p &lt; 0.01). High-dose GB significantly reduced serum levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, and interleukin-10 in rats, while low-dose GB partially improved serum inflammatory factor levels. Additionally, the lung mass index, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and hydroxyproline levels were significantly increased in the model group rats compared to the NC group ( p &lt; 0.01), accompanied by decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Both high and low doses of GB demonstrated substantial improvements in lung mass index, MDA, SOD, and hydroxyproline levels in rats ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion In the rat model of pneumoconiosis, GB exerts a positive therapeutic impact on lung tissue lesions and respiratory function, with its effectiveness being both time- and dose-dependent.

Relation of T Cell Profile with Vitamin D Receptor and Vitamin D-Binding Protein Gene Polymorphisms in Atopy.

Atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic asthma (AA), are characterized by complex immune responses involving various T cells subsets and their cytokine profiles. It is assumed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the Vitamin D-binding protein (GC) gene are related to the action of Vitamin D and, consequently, play a role in regulating the immune response. However, there is not enough data to unequivocally support the hypothesis about the relationship between T cells profile and VDR or GC SNPs. Two hundred sixty-six subjects (aged > 18 years) were involved in the study: 100 patients with mild or moderate AD, 85 patients with mild or moderate AA, and 81 healthy individuals. Blood cell counts were determined by standard methods. Flow cytometric analysis was used to evaluate CD4+ T-helper (Th) cell subtypes: Th2, Th1, Th17, and T regulatory (Treg) cells in peripheral blood. Measurements of cytokines, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and Vitamin D levels in serum were evaluated by ELISA. Significantly higher levels of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, along with lower levels of Tregs, were found in patients with atopic diseases compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, higher serum levels of interleukin (IL) 5, IL-17A, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), as well as lower levels of IL-10, were observed in patients with atopic diseases than in control. The study established associations between VDR SNPs and immune profiles: the AA genotype of rs731236 was associated with increased Th2 and Th17 cells and a higher Th1/Th2 ratio; the GG genotype of rs731236 was linked to decreased serum IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels; and the TT genotype of rs11168293 was associated with increased IL-10 levels. Additionally, the GG genotype of GC gene SNP rs4588 was associated with reduced Th2 and Th17 lymphocytes, while the TT genotype of rs4588 was linked to decreased IL-10 levels. Furthermore, the CC genotype of rs7041 was associated with higher levels of Th2, Th17, IL-10, and IL-35, as well as reduced levels of TGF-β1, while the GG genotype of rs3733359 was associated with reduced IL-10 levels. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the Vitamin D receptor gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs731236 and rs11168293, along with polymorphisms in the Vitamin D-binding protein gene (rs4588, rs7041, rs3733359), are significantly associated with variations in T cell profiles in atopy. These variations may play a crucial role in promoting inflammation and provide insight into the genetic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of atopy.

Systemic imbalance of TGF-β isoforms in patients with various manifestations of diabetic retinopathy

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a group of structurally similar multifunctional regulatory proteins that exhibit pleiotropy in various tissues of the body. Considering that TGF-β isoforms show tropism to various cells, and in diabetic retinopathy both a neurodegenerative process and damage to microvessels can be simultaneously realized, we believe that the study of the content of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 in patients with various manifestations of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is relevant. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 in the blood serum in patients with neurodegenerative and vascular manifestations of diabetic retinopathy against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study involved 80 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 30 healthy volunteers. Based on ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (n = 12) – patients without vascular symptoms of fundus DR and without OCT signs of retinal neurodegeneration; Group 2 (n = 28) – patients without vascular symptoms of fundus DR and the presence of OCT signs of retinal neurodegeneration; Group 3 (n = 10) – patients with vascular symptoms of non-proliferative DR and without OCT signs of retinal neurodegeneration; and Group 4 (n = 30) – patients with vascular symptoms of non-proliferative DR and the presence of OCT signs of retinal neurodegeneration. The serum content of TGF-β1 in all groups was within the reference values throughout the study. The serum concentration of TGF-β2 in all groups was higher in comparison with the control group. The content of TGF-β3 in the blood serum of patients with neurodegenerative manifestations of diabetic retinopathy (groups 2 and 4) was significantly lower than the reference values. A more pronounced deficiency was observed in group 4, whose patients had both vascular and neurodegenerative signs of DR. The presented study showed the presence of a systemic imbalance in the levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 in vascular and neuronal manifestations of diabetic retinopathy. The results obtained confirm the data that changes in the production of cytokines from the TGF-β family in one pathological process can be multidirectional.

Clinical Significance of the Levels of Peripheral Blood Tregs and Cytokines IL-35, TGF-β and IL-10 in Hemophilia A Patients with FⅧ Inhibitor

To explore the levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and cytokines IL-35, TGF-β and IL-10 in peripheral blood of hemophilia A(HA) patients with FⅧ inhibitor and their clinical significance. 43 HA patients admitted to the Hematology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from October 2019 to December 2020 were selected, including 6 cases with FⅧ inhibitor and 37 cases without FⅧ inhibitor. In addition, 20 healthy males who underwent physical examinations were selected as healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of CD4 + CD25 + CD127 - Tregs in peripheral blood of the HA patients and healthy controls, and ELISA assay was used to detect the expression levels of IL-35, TGF-β and IL-10 in serum, and their differences between different groups were compared. Compared with the healthy control group, the level of Tregs in HA patients was decreased, and the level of Tregs in the FⅧ inhibitor positive group was the lowest, the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression level of Tregs in HA patients of different severity levels. The serum IL-35, TGF-β, and IL-10 levels in both FⅧ inhibitor negative and positive groups were significantly lower than those in healthy control group, and those in FⅧ inhibitor positive group were significantly lower than those in FⅧ inhibitor negative group (all P <0.05). The decrease of Tregs, IL-35, TGF-β, and IL-10 levels in HA patients may be related to the formation of FⅧ inhibitors.

Immunomodulatory potential of Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS 1.8701 postbiotics: By regulating the Th17/Treg balance

Maintaining homeostasis of the immune system is critical to human health. Postbiotics are inactive probiotics and their metabolites. Despite their numerous health benefits, the immunomodulatory potential of postbiotics has received less attention. The aim of this study was to explore the immunomodulatory influences of Lactobacillus helveticus postbiotics on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunocompromised mice and the underlying mechanism. The results showed a notable decrease in the immune function of the mice within the immunocompromised model. After treatment with Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS 1.8701 postbiotics, the immunity of mice was restored, as evidenced by an increase in organ index, proliferative capacity of splenic lymphocytes, NK cell activity, and serum immunoglobulin. It also promoted intestinal SIgA secretion and alleviated the degree of CTX-induced damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier. Meanwhile, Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS 1.8701 postbiotics demonstrated the ability to balance T helper cells 17 (Th17) and Regulatory T cells (Treg), exerting regulatory control over the serum levels of IL-17 and TGF-β, and thereby influencing the immune response. Therefore, Lactobacillus helveticus KLDS 1.8701 may be used as a potential functional food additive to prevent and treat CTX-induced immunocompromise.

Thyroid dysfunction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a pilot study on the putative role of miR-29a and TGFβ1.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common causes of thyroid dysfunction in iodine sufficient worldwide areas, but its molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. To this regard, this study aimed to assess serum levels of miRNA-29a (miR-29a) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) in HT patients with different patterns of thyroid function. A total of 29 HT patients, with a median age of 52 years (21-68) were included. Of these, 13 had normal thyroid function (Eu-HT); 8 had non-treated hypothyroidism (Hypo-HT); 8 had hypothyroidism on replacement therapy with LT4 (subst-HT). All patients had serum miR-29a assayed through qRT-PCR and serum TGFβ1 assayed by ELISA. Serum miR-29a levels were significantly down-regulated in patients with Hypo-HT compared to Eu-HT patients (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between serum miR-29a levels and TSH levels (r = -0.60, P < 0.01). Serum TGFβ1 levels were significantly higher in Hypo-HT than both Eu-HT (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between serum miR-29a and TGFβ1 (r = -0.75, P < 0.01). In conclusion, Hypo-HT patients had lower levels of serum miR-29a and higher levels of TGFβ1 in comparison with Eu-HT patients. Worthy of note, subst-HT patients showed restored serum miR-29a levels compared with Hypo-HT group, associated with lower serum TGFβ1. These novel findings may suggest a possible impact of replacement therapy with levothyroxine on serum miR-29a levels in HT.

Evaluation of serum MicroRNA 21, MicroRNA 192 and serum TGFβ1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and their relation to diabetic nephropathy

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a frequent and long-lasting microvascular consequence that has an established connection with diabetes. It serves as the primary etiological agent of end-stage renal disease, a critical renal disorder that develops on a worldwide level. The molecular pathophysiology of DN is multifactorial, such as transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β] which affects the expression of miRNAs such as miRNA-21 and miRNA-192 during renal fibrosis. However, to date, the clinical application is inadequate due to discrepancies observed in the published data. This cross-sectional investigation aimed to assess the correlation between serum TGF-β1, miRNA-21 and 192, and glycemic control, metabolic abnormalities, and renal function in patients with type II diabetes.MethodsBased on the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), fifty subjects with type II diabetes were divided into three categories: Group I consisted of individuals with normoalbuminuria (n = 16), Group II of microalbuminuria (n = 16), and Group III of overt proteinuria (n = 18). All participants were subjected to the estimation of mature miRNA-21 and miRNA-192 by TaqMan two-step stem loop qRT-PCR and serum TGFβ1 level by ELISA.ResultsThere was an upregulation in miRNA-21 expression in the 3 different groups of patients (p value = 0.043). The serum fold change (FC) of miRNA-21 showed significantly greater median values in patients with overt proteinuria compared to those with normoalbuminuria (5.57 FC versus 1.11 FC, p = 0.017). A positive correlation (r = 0.343) (p = 0.013) was observed between the ACR and the median levels of miRNA-21, which was statistically significant. No statistically significant distinctions were detected in the concentrations of serum TGF-β1 or miRNA-192 among the three patient groups (p values of 0.234 and 0.225, respectively).ConclusionThe findings of the present research implied that miRNA-21 might function as an early indicator of renal pathology associated with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Investigation of the Serum Levels of TGF-β and IL-6 Cytokines Effective on the Immune System of Diabetic Patients with Toxoplasma Parasitic Infection: A Short Report

Investigation of the Serum Levels of TGF-β and IL-6 Cytokines Effective on the Immune System of Diabetic Patients with Toxoplasma Parasitic Infection: A Short Report

Serum L C3-II levels in type 2 diabetic patients with impaired renal functions

This study was designed to evaluate serum LC3-II, BCL-2, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and podocin levels in.type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with renal dysfunction. Materials176 Turkish subjects were enrolled, of whom 26 were healthy, and 150 had T2DM. Patients.were classified according to albumin urea ratio: 88 patients had macroalbuminuria, 20.patients had microalbuminuria, and 42 had normoalbuminuria. T2DM patients were also.classified into three groups according to proteinuria and eGFR stages. ResultsIncreased serum LC3-II levels in patients with T2DM with increased urinary albumin.extraction and impaired renal functions. There was a strong relationship between serum.LC3-II levels and serum BCL-2, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and Podocin levels. The efficiency of LC3-II as a diagnostic biomarker in the differential diagnosis of DM patients with.macroproteinuria from DM patients with normoproteinuria was 75.4%. ConclusionsIt was thought that increased serum LC3-II levels in T2DM patients with impaired renal.functions may cause renal podocyte damage. In these patients, serum LC3-II levels can be.evaluated as a new biomarker to follow the development of renal damage.