Localization of transforming growth factors β1 and β2 and epidermal growth factor in IgA nephropathy

Objective: The localization of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) was investigated in IgA nephropathy, and was compared with the severity of histological damage (including tubulointerstitial lesions). Materials and methods: The enzyme antibody method was used to stain paraffin-embedded sections of renal tissue from 42 patients with IgA nephropathy (19 males and 23 females). Results: There was a significant correlation between glomerular positivity for TGF-PI and TGF-beta 2 and the severity of histological damage. There was also a significant correlation between positivity for TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 in the tubular epithelium and tubulointerstitial lesions. In contrast, there was no relationship between glomerular positivity for EGF and histological damage, although there was a significant correlation between positivity for EGF in the tubular epithelium and tubulointerstitial lesions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 may be important in the progression of IgA nephropathy. and that the distribution of EGF may also be a useful marker for the progression of renal damage, including tubulointerstitial lesions.