TGFB1 and cardiac hypertrophy: TGF‐β is a pleiotropic cytokine and is involved in both cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.22–23 Overexpression of TGF‐β in the heart induces significant cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and blocking of TGF‐β activity ameliorates myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction.24 TGF‐β modulates fibroblast phenotype and function.