Circulating transforming growth factor beta(1) as an indicator of hepatic function impairment in liver cirrhosis

In the liver, transforming growth factor (TGF) -beta(1)is primarily responsible for activation of fat-storing cells, which are the main source of extracellular matrix proteins. Their deposition play a key role in the development of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma TGF-beta(1)in patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis and its possible use as an indicator of liver function impairment. TGF-beta(1)was measured in the plasma of 40 patients with liver cirrhosis. To estimate possible effect of liver insufficiency on plasma TGF-beta(1), patients were divided into three groups: A, B and C, univocal with Child-Pugh classes. Normal values were collected from 13 healthy volunteers. Liver cirrhosis resulted in a significant increase of plasma concentration of TGF-beta(1)(39.3+/-3.8 ng/ml), which doubled normal values (18.3+/-1.6 ng/ml). The highest concentrations were observed in alcoholic patients (44.4+/-4.7 ng/ml). TGF-beta(1)level increased depending on the degree of liver insufficiency, demonstrated by a significant positive correlation with Child-Pugh score (r=0.591). Values in group A were similar to normal, but were significantly elevated in groups B and C. These findings suggest possible use of plasma TGF-beta(1)measurement as an indicator of liver function impairment and possible marker of hepatic fibrosis progression in cirrhotic patients.