Expression of TGF-β_1 in children with congenital hydronephrosis

Objective To detect the expression of TGF - β 1 mRNA and TGF-β 1 protein in children with hydronephrosis and to evaluat e the role of TGF-β 1 in chronic renal damage in congenital hydronephrosis. Methods The expression of TGF-β 1 mRNA and TGF-β 1 protein in renal parenchyma, renal pelvis and pelvic ureteral junction from ch ildren with congenital hydronephrosis were studied by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Results The expression of TGF-β 1 increased in the affected renal parenchyma, pelvis and PUJ. The expression o f TGF-β 1 protein was mainly localized in the plasma of proximal tubular cell s. There was also positive expression in a few renal glomerular cells and distal tubular cells. The expression of TGF-β 1 mRNA was mainly distributed in the cell nucleus of proximal tubular cells. Positive granules were also seen in a fe w renal glomerular cells.The expression of TGF-β 1 mRNA and TGF-β 1 prote in was enhanced in the muscle cells, spindle cells and collagenous fibers in the pelvis and PUJ of the affected kidney. Conclusions The increase of TGF-β 1 expression in the kidney with congenital hydronephrosis might related to the chronic renal damage and renal interstitial fibrosis.