Levels of human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) in peritoneal fluid after partial hepatectomy

Human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF), now known to be identical with scatter factor and tumor cytotoxic factor, is thought to be involved in the regeneration of the liver in humans.

We measured the levels of immunoreactive hHGF levels in peritoneal fluid before and after partial hepatectomy in 37 patients, 10 with and 27 without cirrhosis. The presence of hHGF was confirmed in human peritoneal fluid with rat hepatocytes in primary culture and Western blot.

Levels of hHGF increased significantly in peritoneal fluid after surgery, with its total concentration being correlated with the weight of resected liver 168 hours postoperatively.

Findings suggest that the hHGF levels in peritoneal fluid may indicate the extent of hepatic damage following partial hepatectomy and other liver diseases.