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 (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.