Transforming growth factor beta in chronic obstructive sialadenitis of human submandibular gland

Backgound: The exact pathomechanism of inflammation progress and fibrosis in chronic obstructive sialadenitis is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess whether there is an association between transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and fibrogenic process of chronic sialadenitis. Methods: Tissue samples of 12 patients with chronic sialadenitis and 4 normal tissue samples of the submandibular gland were examined immunohistochemicatty for identification of TGF-beta. TGF-beta1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was analysed semiquantitatively using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and get electrophoresis to correlate its expression levels with stages of the disease. Results: TGF-beta positive cells could be found in the secretory duct system of all examined samples. However, an intense TGF-beta immunoreactivity was observed in inflamed salivary glands. With progress of disease TGF-beta1 mRNA expression increases significantly. Conclusion: Expression of TGF-beta in chronic sialadenitis and its apparent increase in advanced stages of the disease, suggests that this growth factor may play a role in glandular fibrosis. (C) 2003 Etsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.