| Theme | Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Involvement of TGF-beta1 in NASH | |
| Publish Date | 2003/08 | |
| Author | Masashi Yoneda | Department of Gastroenterology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine |
| Author | Takenao Hasegawa | Second Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College |
| Author | Kimihide Nakamura | Second Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College |
| Author | Akira Terano | Department of Gastroenterology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | The pathogenesis of and therapy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been establised. A two-hit theory is generally accepted but a factor for the second hit has not been determined. We hypothized that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is the factor for the second hit, and plasma TGF-beta1 levels in patients with NASH and those of patients with fatty livers were compared. Consequently, plasma TGF-beta1 levels in patients with NASH were significantly elevated, compared with those in fatty liver patients or healthy subjects. The elevated plasma TGF-beta1 levels were lowered through vitamine E treatment and there was improvement in hepatic function. These results suggest a possible role for TGF-beta1 in NASH and the usefulness of measurements of plasma TGF-beta1 to differentiate NASH from fatty liver cases. | |