Conversely, TGF-β1 can downregulate expression of decorin in fibroblasts from emphysema patients.[9] We have shown previously that decorin expression is diminished in the peribronchiolar area of lung tissue from patients with severe emphysema, while TGF-β1 production from fibroblasts of these patients is increased.[10] Noordhoek et al showed that TGF-β1 and basic fibroblast growth factor give a stronger reduction of decorin production in the culture supernatant of fibroblasts from patients with severe emphysema than from patients with mild emphysema. This evidence concerns the gene DCN and pulmonary emphysema.