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

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