Iranian Journal of War and Public Health

Aims: The widespread use of sulfur mustard (SM) as a chemical warfare agent has proved its long-lasting toxic effects. Therefore, all health professionals should have sufficient knowledge and be prepared for any such chemical attack. Transforming growth factor (TGF-β), has an important role in the lungs of patients with some of chronic airway diseases, especially with respect to airway remodeling in mustard lung. Airway remodeling is characterized by defective extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Fibroblasts have a central role in ECM turnover. The TGF-β provides intracellular signals to regulate ECM production. The purpose of this study: isolate and achieve primary airway fibroblast cells directly from lung biopsies of chemical injuries and control samples and detect abnormal gene expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in isolated fibroblast cells, to study destructive effects on the SM gas and understanding Molecular mechanisms of SM, with the aim of developing medical Assistance.

Methods: we used cell culture as an in vitro model. Thus, we cultured primary airway fibroblasts from epibronchial biopsies, and investigated gene expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in primary fibroblasts of SM injured patients and controls. Expression of TGF-β variant and receptors was measured by Semiquantitative RT-PCR..

Result: Our findings revealed that expression levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 was upregulated in the airway Fibroblasts of SM exposed patients in comparison with control samples.

Conclusion: Our novel data, suggested that over-expression of TGF-β molecule in primary airway fibroblasts of mustard gas injured patients may involve in progression of airway remodeling of these patients.