TGFB1 and congestive heart failure: MI is a major cause of congestive heart failure,36, 37, 38 and increased levels of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression are evident in the myocardium bordering the infarct region 2 days following MI.39 This observation is highly suggestive of a crucial role for TGF-β1 in cardiac wound healing and the fibrotic response.