RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-ß1) is an anti-inflammatory pleiotropic cytokine, crucial for maternal immune tolerance towards semi-allograft. It acts as a mediator in achieving successful implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 300 samples; 150 with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) and 150 with no pregnancy loss, in their first trimester were evaluated for circulating levels of TGF-ß1 using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Further, the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the potential of TGF-ß1 in the risk prediction of RPL and the prognostic importance in the form of favourable and unfavourable outcome in the existing pregnancy. RESULTS: The results showed significant elevated levels in women without the history of RPL compared to those with the history of RPL (4783.60 ± 522.95 vs. 4252.18 ± 672.26 pg/mL, p < 0.0001).Further evaluation of follow up data of women with the history of RPL, based on favourable (78%) and unfavourable (22%) outcome of the existent pregnancy showed significantly higher TGF-ß1 in women with favourable pregnancy outcome in comparison with those who had a foetal loss (4877.12 ± 460.04 vs. 4075.91 ± 616.17 pg/mL, <0.0001). Furthermore, the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed sufficient importance for risk assessment and very good marker to predict unfavourable event (AUC-0.85, SE = 67%, SP = 88%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Certainly TGF-ß1 appears to have predictive importance; however additional studies with large sample size are warranted for further validation.