TGF-β1 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of different types of
nephropathy. The current work aimed at investigating the effects of
hyperglycemia on serum TGF-β1 to clarify their relations to diabetic
nephropathy in controlled type 2 diabetic patients. Fourty-eight patients
were categorized according to the concentration of urinary microalbumin
per 24h into normoalbuminuric, microalbuminuric and macroalbuminuric
groups. Each group comprised 16 patients of both sex. Their age ranged
from 42 to 75 years, with a mean value of 57.9±9.1 years. These patients
were compared to 10 healthy subjects, age and sex matched who served as
controls. The results of the present work showed that; the mean values of
serum TGF-β1 in normoalbuminuric, microalbuminuric and
macroalbuminuric groups were significantly elevated compared to the
control group (p<0.05). Also, diabetic patients with nephropathy showed
that; the mean values of serum TGF-β1 in hypertensives were significantly
elevated compared to normotensive patients (p<0.05). Furthermore, gender
had non-significant effect on serum TGF-β1. Moreover, correlation study
showed a significant positive correlation between urinary microalbumin per
24h and serum TGF-β1 in microalbuminuric and macroalbuminuric (p<0.05)
groups. In addition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed significant
positive correlation with serum TGF-β1 in macroalbuminuric group
(p<0.05).
The results of this work showed that; the augmented effects of
hyperglycemia and the subsequent increase in serum TGF-β1 could play a
prominent role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. This may be
helpful when using TGF-β1 system as a new therapeutic target for
treatment and prevention of diabetic nephropathy in the future. |
