The many faces of transforming growth factor-β in pleural diseases

YCG Lee, KB Lane - Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, 2001 - journals.lww.com
YCG Lee, KB Lane
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, 2001journals.lww.com
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is responsible for critical regulatory functions in many
physiologic and pathologic processes. Emerging evidence suggests that these roles also
apply to a multitude of pleural diseases. Both mesothelial cells and infiltrating cells in the
pleural space can produce TGFβ, and elevated TGFβ concentrations have been found in
pleural effusions and in pleural tissues during disease processes. Recent animal studies
have suggested that TGFβ can induce significant pleurodesis and probably plays a central …
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is responsible for critical regulatory functions in many physiologic and pathologic processes. Emerging evidence suggests that these roles also apply to a multitude of pleural diseases. Both mesothelial cells and infiltrating cells in the pleural space can produce TGFβ, and elevated TGFβ concentrations have been found in pleural effusions and in pleural tissues during disease processes. Recent animal studies have suggested that TGFβ can induce significant pleurodesis and probably plays a central role in the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis. Paradoxically, TGFβ may also stimulate increased pleural fluid formation, in part by inducing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor. TGFβ also participates in the regulation of pleural inflammation and cell proliferation. Further research into the roles of TGFβ in the pathogenesis of various pleural diseases is needed and may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins