ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate whether cirrhosis affects the expression of hepatic glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms and its clinical significance. METHODS: Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern hybridization were used to determine the mRNA levels of five UGT isoforms in hepatic tissues. RESULTS: Compared to control group, UGT2B15 and UGT1A6 mRNA level in cirrhosis group increased by 227% and 166%, respectively. Compared to 0 fibrotic grade group, UGT2B15 mRNA levels of 1, 2, 4 fibrotic grade patients were 172%, 208% and 243%, respectively. UGT2B7 mRNA levels of 1, 2, 3 fibrotic grade patients were 156%, 208% and 192%, respectively. Inflammation grade showed no obvious effect on mRNA expression of most UGT isoforms. CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis affectes individual UGT isoform mRNA level. Degree of fibrosis has a significant effect on UGT mRNA expression.