Serum TGF-Beta 1 and TNF-Alpha Levels and Cardiac Fibrosis in Experimental Chronic Renal Failure

Objectives To characterize dynamics of changes of serum levels of TGF-β1 and TNF-α in rats with cardiac fibrosis (CF) occurring during chronic renal failure (CRF), and to reveal the character pf correlations of these factors with amounts of cardiac collagen. Design and Methods. CRF was induced by unilateral nephrectomy and by electrocoagulation of 25% of the cortex of remnant kidney. Post-operative checkpoints were 2, 4, and 6 months. Serum TGF-β1 and TNF-α levels were measured by ELISA. Results. CF became pronounced only at 6 months of CRF, while serum TGF-β1 concentrations reached maximum at 4 months, i.e., at the checkpoint preceding the development of CF. Multiple regression showed cardiac collagen to correlate with both serum TGF-β1 levels and time from the onset of CRF. Sensitivity and specificity of TGF-β1 as serum marker of CF were 86% and 75%.