Transformation growth factor (TGF-beta) is a cytokine, which takes part in many clinical conditions linked to different chronic disease states. Its production is regulated by genes and polymorphism of TGF-beta gene individually predetermines levels of its production. TGF-beta is produced by a number of normal, predominately haemopoietic and tissue cells. Moreover, it controls cell proliferation and differentiation, and namely it stimulates fibrogenesis. Profibrogenic efficacy plays a physiological role in wound healing and it is implicated in a spectrum of disease states, such as diabetic nephropathy, chronic glomerulonepthritis, lung fibrosis, or postirradiation fibrosis. In kidney transplant recipients, TGF-beta has been suggested to be involved in the chronic rejection pathogenesis by enhancing fibrogenesis.

        Key words: cytokines, extracellular matrix, fibrogenesis, glomerulonephritis, chronic rejection, cyclosporin, losartan.