TGFB1 and endothelial dysfunction: In a case-control study in patients with type 2 diabetes, elevated plasma levels of chemokine ligand-16 (CXCL-16), angiopoietin-2, and TGF-β1, which are systemic biomarkers of inflammation, fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction, are independently associated with the development of microalbuminuria [193].