ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the possible effect of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF -beta(1)) on the development of renal fibrosis in human mesengial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry method, sirius red staining polarization microscopy and the computer imaging analysis system were used to detect the expression of TGF-beta(1), the distribution of collagen I, collagen III and collagen IV.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In MsPGN with renal fibrosis, collagen IV was increased markedly,and collagen I and collagen III appeared in the expanded mesengial matrix abnormally. Collagen III and collagen IV were increased markedly in tubulointerstitium. TGF-beta(1) expression was positively correlated with the expression of collagen I, collagen III and collagen IV in tubulointerstitium (r=0.82 0.92,P<0.01), and negatively correlated with I/III, I/IV and III/IV (r=-0.83,-0.92, P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Abnormal increase of TGF-beta(1) may be one of the important factors associated with glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis through the increment and abnormal distribution of collagen I, collagen III and collagen IV.</p>