Elevated levels of serum transforming growth factor-β1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients

Background: Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in cancer development. The diagnostic significance of serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (sTGF-beta 1) in the oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. The aim of the study was to analyze sTGF-beta 1 concentrations in ESCC patients. The sTGF-beta 1 levels were assessed according to the clinical parameters in cancer patients. We determined sTGF-beta 1 concentrations in ESCC patients before and after oesophagectomy. The correlation between sTGF-beta 1 and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (sVEGF-A) was examined as well. Material and methods: The study included 115 patients with ESCC and 57 healthy controls. Concentrations of sTGF-beta 1 were measured by ELISA tests and were compared with clinical parameters of cancer patients. Serum samples for sTGF-beta 1 evaluation 3 months after surgical resection were available in 41 cases. Results: Serum TGF-beta 1 level was significantly higher in ESCC compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Serum levels of TGF-beta 1 positively correlated with the depth of tumour invasion (p = 0.042). There were no differences in sTGF-beta 1 levels in patients stratified by the presence of regional and distant metastases and stage of cancer progression. The level of sTGF-beta 1 was significantly lower in ESCC patients after oesophagectomy than before surgical treatment (p = 0.002). A positive correlation between sTGF-beta 1 and sVEGF-A (p = 0.017) was observed. Conclusion: TGF-beta 1 seems to play an important role in tumour progression in ESCC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the utility of this cytokine as possible marker of ESCC.