High Serum Levels of TGF-β in Iranians With Chronic HBV Infection.

BACKGROUND

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties.

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of this study was to compare the serum levels of TGF-β in a group of chronic HBV infected (CHB) patients as well as healthy individuals from South-East of Iran.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with CHB as well as sixty healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. ELISA technique was applied to measure the serum levels of TGF-β in both groups.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the serum levels of TGF-β were significantly increased in CHB patients in compare to healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this result, it may be concluded that high serum levels of TGF-β may be a mechanism by which immune response against HBV is suppressed.