The present study aimed to determine the role of the
cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in
liver fibrosis among patients with hepatic
cystic echinococcosis (hepatic CE). Hepatic tissue specimens and serum samples from 30 patients with hepatic CE were collected and TGF-β1 levels were compared between the two groups. The degree of
liver fibrosis was assessed by Masson staining. The expression levels of
cytokine TGF-β1 in liver tissue and serum were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Masson staining of liver lesion tissue in patients with hepatic CE indicated different degrees of
fibrosis in the liver and the World Health Organization classification was positively correlated with the severity of
liver fibrosis (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of
cytokine TGF-β1 was higher in liver lesion tissue specimens compared with that in the adjacent control samples (P<0.05). At the same time,
cytokine TGF-β1 in serum specimens of patients was higher than that in the healthy control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the expression of TGF-β1 is upregulated in patients with hepatic CE, which was closely associated to
liver fibrosis.