TGF-β1 Is Associated with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

There are many contradictory opinions, and the role of TGF-β1 in the vascular effects of atherosclerosis remains unclear. This study aims to verify whether plasma TGF-β1 concentrations are correlated with changes in echocardiographic and vascular parameters in individuals with early coronary artery disease (CAD), including those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study group consisted of 100 patients with early-onset CAD. Patients underwent echocardiography and electrocardiography. The thickness of the internal and middle membrane complex of the carotid and brachial arteries, the ankle-brachial index, and the atherosclerotic plaques present were assessed via Doppler ultrasound. No statistically significant correlation of TGF-β1 with diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or myocardial infarction was observed, only weak associations with impaired ventricular function. The positive correlations between right and left ventricular parameters and TGF-β1 level, as well as the negative correlations fractional shortening and deceleration time, were found. The last correlation was strong. There is a strong positive correlation between TGF-β1 and QRS II width and QRS V5 width. The positive correlation was found between TGF-β1 and PLA density and thickness of the intima-media. These associations are very weak. In patients with early-onset CAD, high TGF-β1 concentrations are not associated with heart attacks or the associated risk factors. However, these cases are potentially those with stable plaques. Our study indicates a significant association between TGF-β1 levels and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and arrhythmia risk in these patients.