1. INCREASED CIRCULATING SERUM LEVELS OF TGFβ-1 AND MMP-2 ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INFLAMMATION AND PROGRESSION OF CΗRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY Grigorios G. Dimas 1, Ilias E. Kanellos 1, Thomas J. Tegos 2, Fotios S. Iliadis 1, Sofia G. Spiroglou 3, Spiros D. Fotiadis 1, Ioannis M. Karamouzis 1, Christos G Savopoulos 1, Apostolos I. Hatzitolios 1, Dimitrios M. Grekas 1. 1 1 st Propaedeutic Medical Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece 2 1 st Neurology Medical Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece 3 Biochemistry Laboratory, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

2. Background Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is considered to be the main enzyme that degrades collagen type-IV (col-IV) and has been implicated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) is involved nowadays in atherosclerosis and proteinuria. Conflicting studies cannot establish at present a clear role for TGFβ-1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic albuminuria and atherosclerosis. This fibrogenic cytokine, stimulated by the diabetic state, induces diabetic renal hypertrophy, mesangial matrix expansion, and the development of renal insufficiency.

3. Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the serum levels of TGFβ-1 and MMP-2 and their potential role in inflammation, atherosclerosis and albuminuria in patients with early stages of CKD and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN).

4. Methods CKD patients of stages 1 and 2 with DN (n=40) were included. As controls, there were healthy individuals (n=40). TGFβ-1 and MMP-2 levels were measured by an ELISA method. Intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid and femoral arteries and atherosclerotic plaque were determined by a high resolution ultrasonography.

5. Results There was a statistically significant positive correlation between levels of TGFβ-1 and MMP-2 with inflammation (hsCRP, CRP, IL-6), albuminuria and IMT.

6. Conclusion This study suggests that serum levels of TGFβ-1 and MMP- 2 were found to be independent risk factors of inflammation, atherosclerosis as well as of albuminuria in patients in early stages of CKD and DN.