Background: Remodelling process is associated with activity of such substances as transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF2), or insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In the course of hypertension the remodelling of blood vessels and heart muscle takes place. Studies performed on animal models as well as clinical trials on aetiology of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), documented elevated level of both mRNA and proteins of TGFβ1 and IGF-1.
Aim: To analyse the correlation between cytokine levels and vascular and LV remodelling.
Methods: One hundred seven patients with essential hypertension (age 50 ± 10 years) as well as 50 healthy volunteers participated in the study. Blood pressure was measured in the doctor’s office as well as using the ABPM method. The LVH was diagnosed by echocardiographic examination, while ultrasound diagnostic was used to analyse the blood vessels remodelling measured as carotid intima–media thickness. Based on echocardiography results hypertensive patients were divided into two groups - with or without LVH. Peripheral blood concentration of analysed cytokines was measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The results were compared with data obtained from control group of normotensive participants.
Results: Values of single measurements of growth factors levels did not show significant differences between analysed groups (p = 0.322), and they did not correlate with the blood pressure levels. The tendency to negative correlation between parameters of diastolic LV function and plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and TGF was found. The value of IMT also did not show significant correlation with TGFβ1, bFGF and IGF-1 in all investigated groups.
Conclusions: The obtained results point to the limited usefulness of single measurements of TGFβ1, bFGF as well as IGF-1 blood concentrations, as the potential prognostic factors of the remodelling of blood vessels and cardiac muscle in patients with essential hypertension.
Kardiol Pol 2010; 68, 9: 996-1002