Hepatocyte steatosis in HCV patients promotes fibrosis by enhancing TGF-β liver expression

• Published in: Hepatology research Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 141 - 146
• Main Authors: Gabriel, Andrzej, Ziólkowski, Adam, Radlowski, Pawel, Tomaszek, Krzysztof, Dziambor, Andrzej
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 01.02.2008
• Subjects: advanced fibrosis; chronic hepatitis C; steatosis; TGF-β expression
• ISSN: 1386-6346; 1872-034X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034X.2007.00258.x

Aim:  The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between TGF‐β expression in steatotic liver and the stage and yearly progression rate of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Methods:  We examined 44 CHC fatty liver patients, using 76 non‐steatotic CHC patients as controls. The stage of hepatic fibrosis was assessed on a score scale. TGF‐β expression was determined with the use of monoclonal serum and the ABC three‐step method. Results:  We demonstrated a positive correlation of steatosis with the stage of fibrosis (P < 0.05). No relationship of thiskind was found with the yearly progression rate of fibrosis (P > 0.09). In steatotic biopsies, TGF‐β expression index in portal spaces and lobules was found to be higher as compared to TGF‐β expression in biopsies without steatosis (P < 0.05). Conclusion:  In CHC patients steatosis induces the development of fibrosis by elevating the hepatic expression of TGF‐β.