Transforming Growth Factor B as a Marker of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background: The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ss) is one of the main growth factors associated with fibrosis or cirrhosis progression in the liver, but its role in hepatocarcinogenesis is controversial. To highlight the role of Transforming Growth Factor ss as a marker of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: Ninety subjects were enrolled in this study, classified into three groups: Group I (chronic HCV group) included 30 patients with chronic HCV infection; Group II (HCC group) include 30 patients having HCC and chronic HCV infection and Group III consisted of 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls. TGF ss was evaluated in all the enrollees and its levels were correlated to liver function and other clinical parameters. Results: TGF-ss was found significantly higher in HCC group than in control and chronic HCV (P < 0.001). In addition, it was correlated with biochemical and clinical parameters of cancer. Conclusions: Patients with HCC showed increased level of TGF-ss compared to chronic HCV infection patients and controls.