Transforming growth factor β 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: multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, thyroid cancer, and autoimmune thyroiditis. TGF-beta activity was determined using analytical tests which are based 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 increased with a maximal change in the patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. Taking into account that TGF-beta is a potent natural immunosupressor, one may suggest that the increased activity of this cytokine could play an important role in this thyroid gland disorders.