Transforming growth factor-β1 in children with diabetic nephropathy.

Background: Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that has numerous biological processes. Earlier research indicates that protein and mRNA production of TGF-β1 are enhanced in the renal tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Our aim was to evaluate the role of TGF-β1 in early prediction of DN in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).