Chen F, Cai W, Chen Z, Liu R
Institute of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Medical University, Hangzhou 310003.
Zhongguo Ji Sheng Chong Xue Yu Ji Sheng Chong Bing Za Zhi. 1999;17(3):140-2.
To explore the changes in TGF-beta 1 mRNA in patients with schistosomal liver fibrosis.
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.
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.
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.
