Korean J Intern Med.  2000 Dec;15(3):165-170.

Expression of Transforming Growth Factor beta-1 in Chronic Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

• Kim HG
• Chung YH
• Song BC
• Kim JA
• Yang SH
• Lee YS
• Suh DJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta 1) has been suggested to play a role in the development, growth or progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Genotype and serum titer of HCV also affect the occurrence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C. In this study, we were to evaluate the effects of genotype or serum titer of HCV on the expression of TGF beta 1. We also intended to examine the correlation between the up-regulation of TGF beta 1 and the association with HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
METHODS
We studied 19 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 18 with HCC associated with HCV infection. HCV genotype was determined by line probe reverse hybridization assay and the amount of HCV-RNA was quantitated by branched DNA signal amplification assay. Serum TGF beta 1 level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS
HCV genotypes of patients with HCC were similar to those without it. Serum HCV-RNA titer was higher in genotype 1b than in non-1b (p < 0.05). Serum TGF beta 1 levels were higher in HCC than in chronic hepatitis (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the serum TGF beta 1 level between genotype 1b and non-1b. Also, it was not correlated with the serum HCV-RNA titer or alanine aminotransferase levels.
CONCLUSION
TGF beta 1 seems to be overexpressed in HCC compared to that of chronic hepatitis C: it was not affected by serum ALT levels, genotype or serum HCV titer. It is suggested that TGF beta 1 may be associated with the malignant transformation of hepatocyte or the progression of HCV-associated HCC.

Keyword

Transforming growth factor beta; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hepatitis C, Chronic

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Alanine Transaminase/blood
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism*
Female
Genotype
Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology
Hepatitis C, Chronic/metabolism*
Hepatitis C-Like Viruses/genetics
Hepatitis C-Like Viruses/classification
Human
Liver Neoplasms/virology
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*
Male
Middle Age
RNA, Viral/blood
Transforming Growth Factor beta/blood*