Transforming growth factor-β1 in plaque morphea.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare cutaneous disease characterized by skin fibrosis of unknown pathogenesis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent profibrotic factor. The role of TGF-β in morphea remains unclear.

Aim

The goal of this study was to estimate the expression level of TGF-β1 in skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as the plasma levels of TGF-β1 in plaque morphea (MEP).

Material and methods

The study involved 20 MEP patients. Three control groups were involved: 1 - plasma: 36 healthy volunteers; 2 - PBMC: 47 healthy volunteers; 3 - skin biopsies: 13 samples collected during mastectomy (breast cancer was not skin involved). The analysis of TGF-β1 plasma levels was performed with the use an adequate ELISA kit, whil

SUBMITTER: Danczak-Pazdrowska A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3907897 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature