TGFB1 and pulmonary emphysema: 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.