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

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ 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 TGFβ 1. We also intended to examine the correlation between the up-regulation of TGFβ 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 TGFβ 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 TGFβ 1 levels were higher in HCC than in chronic hepatitis (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the serum TGFβ 1 level between genotype 1b and non-1b. Also, it was not correlated with the serum HCV-RNA titer or alanine aminotransferase levels. CONCLUSION: TGFβ 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 TGFβ 1 may be associated with the malignant transformation of hepatocyte or the progression of HCV-associated HCC.