Expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b1) by human preterm lung inflammatory cells

Using a previously published model of human BPD this study examines whether preterm lung inflammatory cells produce transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), a cytokine pivotal in pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and whether TGF-β1 expression is regulated by inflammation. Lung inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) recovered in the broncho-alveolar (BAL) fluid of premature infants intubated for respiratory distress after birth expressed TGF-b1 mRNA and protein. Total and bioactive TGF-β1 were abundantly found in the BAL fluid of the same infants. In cell culture stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not result in any further expression of total or bioactive TGF-β1 by neonatal lung inflammatory cells over constitutive concentrations. In conclusion, lung inflammatory cells from premature infants are a source of TGF-β1 but LPS does not regulate TGF-b1 production in these cells.