The Correlation between Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-β with Pulmonary Fibrosis in Post Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Medan, North Sumatera – Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Untreated or undertreated, pulmonary tuberculosis could cause severe complications until death. After treatment, residual lesions might occur. The presence of residual lesions is varied, including fibrosis, cavity, bronchiectasis and calcification. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine associated with lung inflammation, which plays a role in lung fibrosis. However, only a few studies have assessed the serum level of TGF-β in post-treatment tuberculosis patients. AIM: The main objective of this study was to determine the correlation between TGF-β levels and pulmonary fibrosis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. DESIGN: A group of 51 patients that had undergone anti-tuberculosis treatment were observed, consisting of 31 men, 20 women. Of all patients, there were 26 people with a smoking history, including 25 men and 1 woman. All patients had been recovered, confirmed by the clinical state, laboratory and radiology examination. The ELISA test was performed to measure TGF-β level, while the chest X-ray was used to look for the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS: The mean level of TGF-β in patients with a lesion (+) was 7628.02 (SD: ± 4928.38) while the mean level of TGF-β in patients with a lesion (-) was 2315.11 (SD: ± 505.83). The statistical test showed a significant relationship between TGF-β level and fibrosis lesion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TGF-β level was significantly higher in post-tuberculosis patients with pulmonary fibrosis.