Spontaneous Activation of Transforming Growth Factor-β Gene Transcription in Broncho-Alveolar Mononuclear Cells of Individuals with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases with Lung Involvement

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Abstract
The spontaneous elevation of the transcription of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) gene in broncho-alveolar mononuclear cells (BMC) of individuals with autoimmune diseases with lung involvement, by nuclear run-on transcription assay, is shown in this study. In quantification analysis of TGF-β gene transcription, we found more than 10 times the enhanced transcription of the TGF-β gene in BMC of individuals with autoimmune diseases with involvement, in comparison to normal healthy subjects or patients with bronchial asthma used as controls. Our observation suggests that TGF-β, a potent mitogen for fibroblasts, may be produced in BMC during an active immune response in individuals with systemic autoimmune diseases with lung involvement, and may be involved in autoimmune-related pathophysiological changes of cytokine networks in lung involvement such as lung fibrosis.

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