Is the expression of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 after fracture of long bones solely influenced by the healing process?

Abstract

Purpose Circulating TGF-β1 levels were found to be a predictor of delayed bone healing and non-union. We therefore aimed to investigate some factors that can influence the expression of TGF-β1. The correlation between the expression of TGF-β1 and the different socio-demographic parameters was analysed. Methods Fifty-one patients with long bone fractures were included in the study and divided into different groups according to their age, gender, cigarette smoking status, diabetes mellitus and regular alcohol intake. TGF-β1 levels were analysed in patient's serum and different groups were retrospectively compared. Results Significantly lower TFG-β1 serum concentrations were observed in non-smokers compared to smokers at week 8 after surgery. Significantly higher concentrations were found in male patients compared to females at week 24. Younger patients had significantly higher concentrations at week 24 after surgery compared to older patients. Concentrations were significantly higher in patients without diabetes compared to those with diabetes at six weeks after surgery. Patients with chronic alcohol abuse had significantly higher concentrations compared to those patients without chronic alcohol abuse. Conclusion TGF-β1 serum concentrations vary depending upon smoking status, age, gender, diabetes mellitus and chronic alcohol abuse at different times and therefore do not seem to be a reliable predictive marker as a single-pointin-time measurement for fracture healing.

Circulating bone morphogenetic protein levels and delayed fracture healing

“…BMP-2, 4, -6, and -7 were not significantly associated with fracture healing time. Our data on BMP-2, -4, -6, and -7 seem comparable to those reported for circulating levels of TGF-β1, for which, surprisingly, also no clear relation between low serum levels with delayed bone union could be established [14]. Although both studies contain too small patient groups to conclusively exclude effects of circulating levels of TGF-β or it's family members BMP-2, -4, -6, and −7 on fracture healing, the clinical use as predictive markers of delayed union of these parameters seems limited.…”

Low bone mineral density in patients with type 1 diabetes: association with reduced expression of IGF1, IGF1R and TGF B 1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…Among the factors associated with low BMD and fracture risk, the decrease of hormones considered skeletal anabolic agents, such as IGF1 and TGFB1 , is directly associated with low bone mass peak in diabetic conditions . However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies of IGF1 , IGF1R and TGFB1 mRNA expressions in patients with T1D.…”

“…Once produced by osteoblasts, TGFB1 plays a critical role in bone formation and is incorporated into the newly formed bone matrix . TGFB1 inhibits further activity of the osteoclasts and stimulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.…”

Delayed Expression of Circulating TGF-β1 and BMP-2 Levels in Human Nonunion Long Bone Fracture Healing

“…Nevertheless, this reduced level of TGF-β1 could contribute to the nonunion condition. Serum concentrations of TGF-β1 varied depending upon smoking status, age, gender, diabetes mellitus and chronic alcohol abuse at different times 12 , sug-gesting precautionary measures in the application as a predictive marker of fracture healing. We used a set of strict criteria to match patients in the normal union and nonunion group thereby avoiding the effect of such factors.…”