Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent mitogen for mature hepatocytes in primary culture and seems to be a trigger factor for liver regeneration and proliferation after liver injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of HGF in patients with biliary atresia (BA). METHODS: RESULTS: Plasma HGF levels in LT patients were significantly higher than in KP patients (2977.30 +/- 1251.42 vs 960.17 +/- 559.82 pg/mL, P < .01). Western blots showed increased hepatic HGF levels in LT group than in KP group (2.02 +/- 0.86 vs 1.44 +/- 0.72 pg/mug total protein, P < .05). However, there were no differences in HGF mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical study showed significantly increased HGF staining in hepatocytes of LT livers than of KP livers. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of plasma and liver HGF levels could be related to the progression of liver cirrhosis in patients with BA. Hepatocyte growth factor might have a protective role, probably through the induction of hepatocyte proliferation, during the development of BA-associated liver cirrhosis.
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Authors | Chih-Sung Hsieh, Li-Tung Huang, Shin-Ye Lee, Chao-Cheng Huang, Ching-Lin Lee, Jiin-Haur Chuang, Chao-Long Chen |
Journal | Journal of pediatric surgery
(J Pediatr Surg)
Vol. 43
Issue 7
Pg. 1333-7
(Jul 2008)
ISSN: 1531-5037 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 18639691
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- RNA, Messenger
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor
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Topics |
- Biliary Atresia
(blood, metabolism, surgery)
- Biomarkers
(blood)
- Child, Preschool
- Disease Progression
- Hepatocyte Growth Factor
(analysis, biosynthesis, blood)
- Humans
- Infant
- Liver
(chemistry)
- Liver Transplantation
- Portoenterostomy, Hepatic
- RNA, Messenger
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