Background: Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that has numerous biological processes. Earlier research indicates that protein and mRNA production of TGF-β1 are enhanced in the renal tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Our aim was to evaluate the role of TGF-β1 in early prediction of DN in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Methods: Fifty patients with T1DM were enrolled in an observational study. Patients were eligible to participate if at least 3 years had passed since T1DM diagnosis. Patients were classified into two groups (A and B) according to the presence or absence of microalbuminuria, respectively. Serum TGF-β1 was measured by ELISA in the patients.
Results: Out of the 50 studied patients with T1DM, there were 23 (46%) patients with microalbuminuria. There was a significant difference between patients in group A and B as regards TGF-β1 (p < 0.001). HbA1c had very little influence in controlling for the relationship between TGF-β1 and disease duration. Diagnostic cutoff value of TGF-β1 was 358.5 pg/ml with sensitivity and specificity of 100%.
Conclusion: TGF-β1 was significantly higher in children with DN in comparison with children without. It could be used as an early indicator of DN in children with T1DM with high sensitivity and specificity.
Keywords: Children; Diabetic nephropathy; Microalbuminuria; Transforming growth factor; Type 1 diabetes.