Detection of transforming growth factor beta 1 in normal dogs and dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease

Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) is a common finding of acquired heart diseases in small and medium-sized adult dogs. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was found to increase in valves of DMVD dogs. However, plasma TGF-β1 concentrations in dogs with DMVD have not been evaluated before. The objective of the present study was to compare the plasma concentration of TGF-β1 between normal dogs and dogs with DMVD by using an ELISA technique. This measurement might help to distinguish dogs with DMVD from healthy dogs. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare plasma TGF-β1 concentrations between the two groups. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results showed no statistical difference (p=0.574) between the median plasma TGF-β1 concentrations of 22 normal dogs (1.14, range 0.94-1.33 ng/ml) and 27 DMVD dogs (1.21, range 0.92- 1.32 ng/ml). In conclusion, the concentration of TGF-β1 is very low in the circulation; it may not be a suitable marker for the diagnosis of DMVD due to its sensitivity.