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The role of transforming growth factor-beta1 and oxidative stress in podoconiosis pathogenesis
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 17:02 authored by S Addisu, T H El-Metwally, Gail DaveyGail Davey, Y Worku, M A TitheradgeBACKGROUND Podoconiosis (endemic nonfilarial elephantiasis) occurs in susceptible individuals who go barefoot in regions of irritant volcanic soil. Silicate particles absorbed via the skin are thought to induce an inflammatory process and a consequent endolymphangitis of the lower leg lymphatics. OBJECTIVES To establish which oxidative stress biomarkers play a part in the inflammatory process, and to test whether transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 also has a pathogenetic role. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 50 patients with early clinical stage disease, 43 patients with advanced stage disease and 35 local healthy controls. Oxidative stress biomarkers included serum total peroxides (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total nitrate plus nitrite (TN), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was also determined. Serum total TGF-beta1 was assayed using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, patients with early stage disease showed significantly higher mean levels of TP (P < 0.001), MDA (P < 0.05) and OSI (P < 0.01); and significantly lower mean concentrations of SOD (P < 0.001) and TGF-beta1 (P < 0.001). Mean levels of TGF-beta1 were even lower among patients with advanced stage disease (P < 0.001). Mean TAC levels were significantly lower among patients with advanced disease than either other group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study, to our knowledge, to attempt to elucidate the molecular pathogenetic events in podoconiosis. We conclude that TGF-beta1 may have a pathogenetic role, with oxidative stress playing a minor role in the early stages of disease.
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Publication status
- Published
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- Published version
Journal
British Journal of DermatologyISSN
1365-2133Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
5Volume
162Page range
998-1003Department affiliated with
- Global Health and Infection Publications
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- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2014-06-09First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2014-06-09Usage metrics
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