Cardial fibrosis and the functional activity of leukocytes in patients with essential arterial hypertension

: The study revealed an increase in the serum levels of TGF-beta1 and the N-terminal peptide procollagen type III in patients with essential arterial hypertension (EAH), as well as an association between this increase and the duration of the disease, mean day arterial pressure profile, and left ventricular hypertrophy. An increased leukocyte functional activity is associated with disturbances in left ventricular diastolic function and an increase in TGF-beta1 serum concentration in EAH. The authors conclude that leukocytes participate in the development of myocardial hypertrophy and cardial fibrosis through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and peptide growth factors within the process of their activation.