[Changes in transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA and its clinical value in patients with schistosomal liver fibrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the changes in TGF-beta 1 mRNA in patients with schistosomal liver fibrosis.


METHODS
Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and dot blot analysis were used to determine the level of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in PBMC. The serum levels of hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen, laminine and procollagen III peptide were also measured simultaneously.


RESULTS
The mean level (m +/- s) of PBMC TGF-beta 1 mRNA was significantly higher in late-stage schistosomiasis group (LSS) (1.26 +/- 0.14), liver cirrhosis group (LC) (2.05 +/- 0.81) and hepatocellular carcinoma group (HCC) than that in control group (0.62 +/- 0.40) (P < 0.05). PBMC TGF-beta 1 mRNA level was higher in LC and HCC than that in LSS (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in TGF-beta 1 mRNA between PBMC and liver tissue in patients with HCC. All patients with increased fibrogenic activity (i.e., abnormal levels of serum HA, Col-IV and LN) had increased levels of TGF-beta 1 mRNA.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of TGF-beta 1 mRNA is correlated with the fibrotic activity of liver, the increasement of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in schistosomiasis patients after praziquantel treatment might induce liver fibrosis.
Chen
F
F
Institute of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Medical University, Hangzhou 310003.
Cai
W
W
Chen
Z
Z
Liu
R
R
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000469:parasitology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000097:blood*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D012333:RNA, Messenger; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1