Transforming growth factor-beta 1 serum levels in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

Background Isoforms of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1) are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Data with respect to TGF-beta1 are controversial. We examined the correlation between TGF-beta1 serum levels and the occurrence and severity of pre-eclampsia. Methods. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 serum levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 44 women with pre-eclampsia and 44 healthy pregnant women. Results were correlated with clinical data. Results. No difference in TGF-beta1 serum levels was assessed between women with pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnant women. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 serum levels were not associated with the severity of the disease and were not correlated with clinical maternal (blood pressure, proteinuria) and fetal (5-min APGAR score, umbilical cord pH values, birth weight) parameters. Conclusions. Our data support the assumption that in contrast to other isoforms, TGF-beta1, as evidenced by serum TGF-beta1 levels, does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.