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
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
;
: 223-227, 2009.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-630305
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.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
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