Parallel session 27-lung 5 id 287. the role of transforming growth factor beta isoforms in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication of prematurity. Mechanical ventilation is an essential treatment strategy in the care of extremely preterm infants, however it also contributes to BPD development. An important signalling pathway that is relevant lung development, remodelling and BPD development is the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) signalling pathway. TGFβ exists as 3 isoforms; TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3. Increased TGFβ1 results in increased matrix deposition and fibrosis, whilst caffeine inhibited TGFβ1 activation in epithelial cells and reduced fibrosis in ex-vivo precision cut lung slices in mice. The role of TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 in fibrosis, BPD development and the impact of caffeine and other medications commonly prescribed in the prevention or treatment of BPD on these isoforms are currently less well understood.