Expression of TGF-β_1 in children with congenital hydronephrosis

Objective To assess the expression of TGF β 1 mRNA and the role of TGF β 1 in children with congenital hydronephrosis.Methods The expression of TGF β 1 mRNA in renal parenchyma, renal pelvis and pelvic ureteral junction of 15 cases with congenital hydronephrosis was studied using the RT PCR method. With the assistance of gene analysis, the results were campared with those of 10 normal controls.Results The expression of TGF β 1 increased in the affected renal parenchyma, renal pelvis and pelviureteric junction. The difference was statistically significant.Conclusions The expression of TGF β 1 is increased in congenital hydronephrosis. The increase of TGF β 1 expression may be related to chronic renal damage and renal interstitial fibrosis caused by hydronephrosis.