Transforming Growth Factor-β1 as a Surrogate Marker of Hepatic Dysfunction in Chronic Liver Diseases

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible association between plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) and the degree of hepatic dysfunction in patients with chronic liver diseases. TGF-β₁ was measured with an enzyme immunoassay in plasma from 21 patients with chronic active hepatitis and 40 patients with liver cirrhosis. Normal values were obtained from a group of 13 healthy volunteers. Results were analysed with respect to aetiology and the degree of liver insufficiency as evaluated by the Child-Pugh classification. The mean plasma concentration of TGF-β₁in patients 36.9±2.8 ng/ml) was twice that found in normal volunteers (18.3±1.6 ng/ml). The highest values were observed in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (44.4±4.7 ng/ml). Plasma TGF-β₁ showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the degree of liver insufficiency. These results indicate the possible use of plasma TGF-β₁ measurement as a good marker of liver function impairment. Further observation of patients involved in this study may help to evaluate its possible prognostic value in chronic liver diseases.