Abstract: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a central role in physiological function including cell growth and differentiation, angiogenesis, wound healing, and so on. In the process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), TGF-β can promote mesenchymal cell proliferation, migration, accumulation and increase production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, then, induce the development of intestinal fibrosis.

Key words: intestinal fibrosis, transforming growth factor-β, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis