Association of TGF-β1 with cystatin-C in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Background & Objective: Diabetes is considered a condition that is characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) belongs to the TGF-beta subfamily of the TGF-beta superfamily. Numerous biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, proliferation, tissue repair, morphogenesis, and apoptosis, are regulated by the TGF-beta subfamily. Five TGF-beta isoforms in this subfamily have been found in vertebrates; however, only TGF-beta 1-3 has been demonstrated to be expressed in mammals. Methodology: The current research comprised of a total of 130 individuals, all of whom were placed into one of three primary groups ; 50 (25 males and 25 females) diabetic patients without nephropathy; 50 (25 males and 25 females) diabetic patients with nephropathy as cases, and 30 (15 males and 15 females) persons in good health, who were of the same age as the patients being studied. In order to measure the concentrations of the parameters, the standard procedures and techniques were used. Results: The mean value of serum TGF-beta 1was significantly higher in diabetic patients without nephropathy and diabetic patients with nephropathy (40.19 +/- 3.56 ng/ml),(51.21 +/- 5.20 ng/ml) respectively as compared to controls (24.80 +/- 3.51 ng/ml) with a high significant difference (P < 0.01). The level of TGF beta 1 showed a positive correlation in the study population with fasting blood sugar (r = 0.273, P = 0.006), creatinine (r = 0.546, P = 0.004), and cystatin C (r = 0.597, P = 0.005). The main finding of the present study was that the mean value of serum TGF-beta 1 in diabetic patients without nephropathy was 40.19 +/- 3.56, and for diabetic patients with nephropathy 51.21 +/- 5.20, while for controls was 24.80 +/- 3.51, a significant difference (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a statistically significant and positive link between the blood TGF 1 levels and the serum creatinine levels of the individuals who participated in the study (r = 0.611, P = 0.003). In addition, patients who had diabetes for a longer period of time (more than five years) had higher levels of TGF beta 1 than those who had just been diagnosed with the condition. This difference, however, was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), which may be due to the fact that the level of TGF 1 rises with increasing duration of the participant's cases. Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between cystatin-C with fasting blood sugar. There was a statistically significant and positive link between the blood TGF-beta 1 levels and the serum creatinine and cystatin-C levels.