| Theme | Gastrointestinal Diseases and Cytokines : Pathophysiological Control | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | HGF Regulation of Pathogenesis in Hepatitis Virus-Associated Liver Disease | |
| Publish Date | 2005/03 | |
| Author | Akio Ido | Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital |
| Author | Akihiro Moriuchi | Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital |
| Author | Ildeok Kim | Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital |
| Author | Masatsugu Numata | Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki |
| Author | Hirofumi Uto | Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki |
| Author | Hirohito Tsubouchi | Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital / Department of Internal Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki |
| [ Summary ] | Fulminant hepatitis and liver cirrhosis which are mainly caused by the hepatitis virus are intractable conditions. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) which we first purified from the plasma of patients with fulminant hepatitis is a hepatotrophic factor. HGF is thought to be cytokine related because of it's multi-functionality. HGF enhances the survival of experimental animals with fulminant hepatitis, and improves liver fibrosis in experimental animals with cirrhosis. Pre-clinical trials, including experiments based on the GLP standards, are complete. Recombinant human HGF (rhHGF) based on the GMP standard has been prepared. In addition, the protocol for phase I / Il clinical trials for patients with fulminant hepatitis, using rhHGF has been prepared. Clinical trials using rhHGF for patients with fulminate hepatitis will start after resolving any ethical and / or legal problems. | |