A STUDY ON CORRELATION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR - Β LEVELS WITH PULMONARY FIBROSIS AMONG PULMONARY TB PATIENTS

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) often results in long-term pulmonary sequelae, including pulmonary fibrosis. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) is a key pro-fibrotic cytokine implicated in tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Objectives: To estimate serum TGF-β1 levels among pulmonary TB patients and determine its correlation with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on laboratory-confirmed pulmonary TB patients attending a tertiary care centre in Mysuru. Serum samples were collected, processed, and evaluated for TGF-β1 levels using ELISA. Chest X-rays were assessed for fibrotic changes. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded and correlated. Results: Among the study participants, a significant proportion demonstrated elevated serum TGF-β1 levels. Patients with radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis had markedly higher mean TGF-β1 concentrations compared to those without fibrosis. A positive correlation was observed between TGF-β1 levels and smear grading, chronic disease duration, and radiological fibrosis severity. Conclusion: Elevated TGF-β1 levels are strongly associated with pulmonary fibrosis in PTB patients. TGF-β1 can serve as a potential biomarker for fibrosis prediction, disease severity assessment, and early clinical intervention.