Objective: To study the relationship between the expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and airway remodeling in eosinophilic bronchitis (EB).
Methods: Bronchial biopsy specimens were obtained from 12 patients with EB (A group), 10 asthmatic patients (B group) and 10 patients (C group) with peripheral lung cancer in early stage. The subepithelial basement membrane (SBM) thickness was measured by light microscopy using HE staining. The expressions of TGF-beta(1) and PDGF in the bronchial mucosa were examined by immunostaining.
Results: The SBM of A group [(6.3 +/- 1.4) micro m] was significantly thicker than that of C group [(4.1 +/- 1.2) micro m, P < 0.05], but significantly thinner than that of B group [(8.2 +/- 1.5) micro m]. The numbers of positive cells for TGF-beta(1) and PDGF in A group (59 +/- 9, 47 +/- 7 respectively) and B group (85 +/- 12, 76 +/- 11, respectively) were significantly higher than those in C group (31 +/- 4, 20 +/- 3, respectively), and were positively correlated with SBM thickness (r = 0.76, 0.52, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggest that TGF-beta(1) and PDGF expressions in bronchial mucosa may play a role in bronchial subepithelial fibrosis in EB patients.