Transforming growth factor-ß1 in plaque morphea.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare cutaneous disease characterized by skin fibrosis of unknown pathogenesis. Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) is a potent profibrotic factor. The role of TGF-ß in morphea remains unclear. AIM: The goal of this study was to estimate the expression level of TGF-ß1 in skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as the plasma levels of TGF-ß1 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-ß1 plasma levels was performed with the use an adequate ELISA kit, while real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed for the expression of TGF-ß1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and skin. RESULTS: In our study we have not detected differences in TGF-ß 1 expression in PBMC, skin, nor in plasma levels of TGF-ß1 between MEP patients and healthy controls, regardless of disease activity and its duration. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study contradict the claim of the substantial role of TGF-ß1 in the most common morphea subtype - MEP.