Differential expression of cytokines, growth factors, and α-smooth muscle actin in renal allograft biopsies (original) (raw)

This study investigates the expression of cytokines, growth factors, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in renal allograft biopsies to understand their role in acute and chronic rejection. Analysis was performed on 32 biopsy specimens from kidney transplant patients, classified into acute cellular rejection (ACR) and chronic rejection (CR) groups, using immunohistochemistry. Findings indicate that while ACR is associated with significant immunologic activity and cytokine production, CR shows reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression but increased levels of growth factors such as TGF-β and myofibroblasts, suggesting their involvement in chronic inflammatory processes.