Transforming growth factor beta activity in human thyroid gland disorders

The activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) was compared in blood serum of healthy donors and patients with thyroid gland disorders: mu ltinodular goiter, Graves' disease, thyroid cancer, and autoimmune thyroidi tis. TGF-beta activity was determined using analytical tests which are base d on the ability of this cytokine to regulate differentially the anchorage- independent proliferation of the cells of mesenchymal and epithelial origin . The activity of TGF-beta in blood serum of the patients was found to be i ncreased with a maximal change in the patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. Taking into account that TGF-beta is a potent natural i mmunosupressor, one may suggest that the increased activity of this cytokin e could play an important role in this thyroid gland disorders.