TGFB1 and Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Therefore, they have been explored as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for antifibrotic effect: Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (Tgf-β1), a major pro-fibrotic factor, is present at high levels in both the muscles of DMD patients [15] and muscles of the mdx mouse model of the disease, such as in the diaphragm (DIA) [16,17].