1.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
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
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2009;64(3):223-227
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.
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