Objective. To determine the presence of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and inflammatory cell markers (HLA–DR and Factor XIIIa) and to compare these with the presence of type I procollagen, in clinically uninvolved and involved skin from patients with different subsets of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to analyze circulating levels of TGFβ1 in SSc patients. Methods. TGFβ1, HLA‐DR, Factor XIIIa, and type I procollagen were detected in skin biopsy sections using a biotin–streptavidin–peroxidase system. Levels of circulating TGFβ1 were measured using a capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results. Patients with active diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) showed minimal TGFβ1 but significant type I procollagen staining in involved skin, while the clinically uninvolved skin of these patients showed moderate extracellular and intra‐epidermal TGFβ1 immunoreactivity. Patients with limited cutaneous SSc (IcSSc) showed elevated TGFβ1 staining in both involved and uninvolved skin, as well as procollagen staining. Significant TGFβ1 reactivity, HLA–DR and Factor XIIIa immunoreactivity, numerous inflammatory cells, and procollagen staining were seen in specimens from patients with morphea. Sequential biopsies suggested the presence of cytokine activity at the earliest stages of disease, which was not maintained with progression of sclerosis. Among the disease groups studied, elevated levels of circulating TGFβ1 were seen only in patients with morphea. Conclusion. The pattern of TGFβ1 staining in dermal sections from patients with dcSSc, IcSSc, and morphea suggests that this cytokine is important in the pathogenesis of scleroderma. Furthermore, the presence of TGFβ1 prior to the onset of fibrosis indicates an early involvement of this growth factor, possibly in the inflammatory stage of the disease.
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