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

Abstract

Background: The transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) is an important cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to compare the serum levels of TGF-? 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-? in both groups. Results: Our results revealed that the serum levels of TGF-? 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-? may be a mechanism by which immune response against HBV is suppressed.