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Updated: May 26, 2026

An In Vitro Model for Studying Cellular Transformation by Kaposi Sarcoma Herpesvirus
Published on: August 25, 2017
Circulating transforming growth factor-β and epidermal growth factor receptor as related to virus infection in liver
Rosa Divella1, Antonella Daniele, Cosimo Gadaleta
1Department of Experimantal Oncology, Clinical Pathology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Giovanni Paolo II, Viale Orazio Flacco, 65, 70100, Bari, Italy. rosadive@inwind.it
Background:
The aim of our study was to improve the detection of HCC by measuring alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in addition to other molecular markers by estimating the plasma concentration of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In particular, the role of hepatitis C and B viruses (HCV and HBV) infection was evaluated with relation to TGF-β and EGFR plasma concentration.
Materials And Methods:
Eighty-five patients with liver disease, 54 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 16 with liver metastasis (LM), 15 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 30 healthy volunteers were evaluated. AFP, TGF-β and EGFR were detected with enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in plasma of all study participants.
Results:
The mean values of TGF-β and EGFR in all patients were much higher than in control group, p<0.0001. In HCC patients the levels of TGF-β and EGFR were much higher than in LM and LC patients. Moreover, TGF-β and EGFR were significantly higher in the presence of both viruses or only in the presence of HCV, p=0.002. No decrease or increase of AFP was noted in these patients.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest the reliability of TGF-β and EGFR in detecting HCC, in particular when the carcinogenesis is affected by virus infection.
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