Abstract
Background. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are inflammatory cytokines which function as key regulators of immunological homeostasis and inflammatory responses. They have been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In this study, we aim to assess the levels of TGF-beta and HGF and other inflammatory markers in patients with IBD and correlate them with the disease activity. Study Design. A cross-sectional study involving 100 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 100 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and 50 control subjects. TGF-beta and HGF levels were measured and correlated with disease activity. Results and Conclusion. Serum levels of TGF-beta and HGF were significantly higher in IBD patients compared with the control group. In the UC group, the levels of HGF and TGF-beta were significantly higher than in the CD group. Levels of TGF-beta and HGF correlate with the activity of IBD.