Plasma transforming growth factor-β1 concentrations in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is an important cytokine involved in the pathobiology of tissue fibrosis through its stimulation of the production of, and inhibition of the degradation of, extracellular matrix proteins. We examined the clinical usefulness of plasma TGF-β1 concentration as a marker of fibrogenesis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Thirty-five patients, 11 with minimal chronic hepatitis, 14 with mild chronic hepatitis and 10 with moderate chronic hepatitis and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Transforming growth factor-β1 concentrations in platelet-poor plasma were measured with a TGF-β1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system kit after acid-ethanol extraction. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with mild and moderate chronic hepatitis, but not in those with minimal chronic hepatitis, compared with the levels in the controls. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were increased in parallel with the histological degree of necroinflammation and of liver fibrosis. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were positively correlated with blood levels of procollagen type III N-peptide, and 7S fragment and central triple-helix of type IV collagen. These results suggest that plasma TGF-β1 level is a useful marker in assessing the situation of liver active fibrogenesis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.