Coordinated Increase in Serum Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB and Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis

Background: In vitro studies suggest that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) play an important role in pancreatic fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Methods: Forty male patients with a history of alcoholic CP and 35 age-matched healthy subjects were examined. Serum concentrations of PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, laminin and hyaluronic acid were determined by ELISA assay. Additionally, we determined serum concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF(31 in patients with functional dyspepsia, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Results: Patients with advanced CP had significantly higher serum PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations compared to control subjects. A strong positive correlation between serum PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations was found in patientswith CP. Serum laminin and hyaluronic acid were also elevated in patients with CP. No increase in serum PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations was found in patients with functional dyspepsia, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate for the first time that serum levels of PDGF-BB are elevated in patients with CP. However, ROC curve analysis suggests that PDGF-BB is not superior to laminin as a potential marker of advanced CP.