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

Background: The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) 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 β 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-β was evaluated in all the enrollees and its levels were correlated to liver function and other clinical parameters. Results: TGF-β 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. Conclusion: Patients with HCC showed increased level of TGF-β compared to chronic HCV infection patients and controls.