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Increased TGFβ 1 plasma level in patients with lung cancer: potential mechanisms
Author(s) -
BarthelemyBrichant N.,
David J. L.,
Bosquée L.,
Bury T.,
Seidel L.,
Albert A.,
Bartsch P.,
BaugnetMahieu L.,
Deneufbourg J. M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2002.00956.x
Subject(s) - lung cancer , degranulation , platelet , medicine , concomitant , blood plasma , cancer , platelet activation , gastroenterology , lung , immunology , chemistry , receptor
Background Plasma transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ 1 ) levels are elevated in patients with lung cancer. As TGFβ 1 is mainly found in platelets and as nonmalignant pulmonary diseases (NMPD) are frequently associated with lung cancer, we investigated the potential contribution of platelet degranulation and/or of a concomitant NMPD to the increased plasma levels of TGFβ 1 reported in patients with lung cancer. Materials and Methods Blood samples were collected in duplicate from 30 healthy subjects, 14 patients suffering from NMPD and 37 patients with lung cancer. The platelet count was determined and the samples were processed to obtain plasma. One sample was collected in EDTA (EDTA plasma) and the other in a mixture inhibiting platelet degranulation (PIM plasma). TGFβ 1 concentrations and β‐thromboglobulin (βTG) levels, an index of platelet degranulation, were measured in both plasma samples. Results TGFβ 1 and βTG plasma levels measured in PIM plasma were lower than those obtained in EDTA plasma. With respect to PIM plasma, both TGFβ 1 and βTG levels were higher in patients with lung cancer than those with NMPD and in healthy individuals. In patients with NMPD, only TGFβ 1 levels were increased as compared to healthy controls, βTG levels being similar. Conclusion Methods for collecting and processing blood samples are critical in determining reliable circulating TGFβ 1 levels. Increased TGFβ 1 plasma levels observed in patients with lung cancer are related, at least partly, to concomitant NMPD and also to platelet degranulation as proved by increased βTG levels.