TGF-β 1 DNA Polymorphisms, Protein Levels, and Blood Pressure

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Abstract
—Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a multifunctional cytokine with fibrogenic properties, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of the vascular and target organ complications of hypertension. TGF-β1 may also regulate blood pressure via stimulation of endothelin-1 and/or renin secretion. Herein we explored the hypothesis that circulating levels of TGF-β1 protein (quantified using a TGF-β1–specific sandwich ELISA) are correlates of blood pressure levels. This hypothesis was tested in 98 stable end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. (The use of ESRD patients as the study cohort eliminates renal function–dependent alterations in circulating levels of TGF-β1 protein.) In addition, in view of the previously reported correlation among TGF-β1 DNA polymorphisms and systolic blood pressure, TGF-β1 codon 25 genotype and alleles were identified in 71 hypertensive subjects and 57 normotensives using amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction. Our studies demonstrate for the fi...