[Growth factors and cytokines (TGFBeta, bFGF and IGF-1) and cardiac left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertension].

One of the most frequent types of organ damage developing in the course of hypertension is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The percentage of hypertensive patients with LVH, assessed with echocardiographic method, amounts to 20-60%, depending on blood pressure level and duration of hypertension. This review includes current opinions on the role of transforming growth factor Beta1 (TGFP31), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF2), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the development of LVH in the course of hypertension. TGFBeta1 is a cytokine involved in the regulation of proliferation and cell differentiation. Its action is mainly directed towards the connective tissue cells, which it stimulates into production of collagen I and III. Increased levels of TGFbeta1 have been found both in animal models and in patients with hypertension and LVH. Growth factors bFGF and IGF-1 activate cell proliferation and have anti-apoptotic action. The role of bFGF and IGF-1 has been demonstrated in animal models; however, results of observations in subjects with hypertension and LVH are inconsistent. Discussed growth factors and cytokines and cell signalling pathways related to them might in future appear as targets for therapeutic intervention.