Expression of transforming growth factor beta-3 (TGF-beta-3) on reactive and malignant cells in ascites and pleural effusion
Munker, R.; Darsow, M.; Stötzer, O.; Kremer, J.P.; Mezger, J.
Medizinische Klinik 89(5): 248-251
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0723-5003 PMID: 8052178 Document Number: 425634
The expression of TGF-beta-3 was examined in 64 patients with reactive and malignant effusion by immunocytochemistry. In about half of the patients with malignant effusions (especially breast cancer, gastric cancer, and carcinomas of unknown primary) TGF-beta positive tumor cells could be detected. We could show here for the first time that reactive mesothelial cells could also express TGF-beta. Lymphatic cells were negative in all cases. TGF-beta-3 bioactivity could also be detected in the effusions studied. In our group of patients with far advanced cancer, the expression of TGF-beta had no clear-cut clinical or prognostic correlate. However, the expression of TGF-beta on tumor cells should be interpreted as a marker of tumor progression, taking into account the fibrogenic, angiogenic and immunosuppressive properties of TGF-beta. Further research is necessary to answer the question if the 3 isoforms of TGF-beta are coordinately expressed and to elucidate the involvement of this cytokine in tumor progression and metastasis.