Transforming growth factor-beta1 as a surrogate marker of hepatic dysfunction in chronic liver diseases.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible association between plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and the degree of hepatic dysfunction in patients with chronic liver diseases. TGF-beta1 was measured with an enzyme immunoassay in plasma from 21 patients with chronic active hepatitis and 40 patients with liver cirrhosis. Normal values were obtained from a group of 13 healthy volunteers. Results were analysed with respect to aetiology and the degree of liver insufficiency as evaluated by the Child-Pugh classification. The mean plasma concentration of TGF-beta1 in patients (36.9+/-2.8 ng/ml) was twice that found in normal volunteers (18.3+/-1.6 ng/ml). The highest values were observed in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (44.4+/-4.7 ng/ml). Plasma TGF-beta1 showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the degree of liver insufficiency. These results indicate the possible use of plasma TGF-beta1 measurement as a good marker of liver function impairment. Further observation of patients involved in this study may help to evaluate its possible prognostic value in chronic liver diseases.