Combined Assessment of TGF-beta-1 and Alpha- Fetoprotein Values Improves Specificity in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Chronic Liver Diseases in Malaysia
- Author:
M Y Yasmin Anum
;
M L Looi
;
A H Nor Aini
;
I Merican
;
A Wahidah
;
A H Mohd Radzi
;
A Nor Azizah
;
N H Othman
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
AFP, TGF-β-1, Hepatocelllular carcinoma, Tumour marker
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2009;64(3):223-227
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β-1) is a
multifunctional cytokine involved in the regulation of
growth and differentiation of both normal and transformed
cells. The main aim of this study was to determine whether
TGF-β-1 or alpha fetoprotein (AFP) or the combination of the two is a better indicator for hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC).
Serum TGF-β-1 and AFP were measured by ELISA in 40
healthy subjects, 23 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC), 70 patients with hepatitis B, 26 patients with hepatitis C and 16 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Patients with liver diseases showed significantly higher serum TGF-β-1 values (>3 fold) compared to control subjects. As for serum AFP,
significant elevation was only observed for HCC cases.
Serum TGF-β-1 exhibited higher percent sensitivity compared
to serum AFP in all liver diseases. Combination of serum TGF-β-1 and AFP increased specificities in all cases studied. In conclusion, serum TGF-β-1 is a more sensitive marker for HCC when compared to serum AFP and its specificity is increased when combined with serum AFP.
