TGFbeta-1 and the development of chronic graft nephropathy: relative roles of gene, mRNA and protein.

The exact relationship between transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) and the development of chronic graft nephropathy remains uncertain; however, it would appear that TGFbeta-1 is up-regulated at the protein and mRNA levels during the first year following cadaveric renal transplantation and the effect of 'high producer' gene polymorphisms may also be important. This up-regulation of TGFbeta-1 in plasma may provide a novel. non-invasive means of identifying early fibrotic damage before it becomes clinically apparent thus allowing an opportunity for intervention for grafts that may otherwise fail.