RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 and interferon-gamma in active ulcerative colitis and to assess changes during treatment. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated serum from 25 patients with untreated active ulcerative colitis and 19 healthy controls. Disease activity score (DAI), serum transforming growth factor-beta1 and interferon-gamma levels were measured at baseline and after 7 days of conventional treatment. Disease activity score and transforming growth factor-beta1 were also assessed at 42 days. RESULTS: Baseline transforming growth factor-beta1 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.02). On the 7th day, transforming growth factor-beta1 levels increased only in patients who responded (P < 0. 01); variations in transforming growth factor-beta1 levels and disease activity score were inversely correlated (r=- 0.72, P < 0. 001). At day 42, serum transforming growth factor-beta1 decreased significantly compared with the 7th day (P < 0.05). While in controls, interferon-gamma was undetectable; untreated patients had higher, widely variable, levels. At day 7, responders had higher interferon-gamma values than unresponsive cases. Variations in interferon-gamma correlated moderately with changes in transforming growth factor-beta1 (r=0.53, P < 0.05). Cytokine response did not depend upon the type of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both transforming growth factor-beta1 and interferon-gamma may play a role in the injury-repair process in active ulcerative colitis. Variations in circulating transforming growth factor-beta1 levels in the first week of treatment seem to be related to the therapeutic response.