DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i08.048

Pages: 3222-3227

Transforming Growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine which plays a pivotal role in the genesis and progression of atherosclerotic plaques, particularly influencing the differentiation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells that help maintain the normal blood vessel wall architecture. This major immune modulator has been shown to be both atherogenic and atheroprotective in various studies and hence the present study aims to observe the association of TGF-β with atherosclerotic disorder in a representative south Indian population attending a tertiary care hospital. 50 cases of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease without any other apparent inflammatory disorder were selected and their blood levels of TGF-β and other lipid profile parameters were compared statistically with 50 age and sex matched healthy individuals using student’s t test and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Mean serum TGF-β was significantly lower (p<0.01) in cases than controls and had a strong positive correlation with serum HDL and negative correlation with serum Triglyceride. Thus it can be inferred from this study that TGF-β has a protective role in atherosclerosis and its level is affected by other pro and anti atherogenic factors.