Viral Hepatitis
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2004. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Sep 15, 2004; 10(18): 2661-2665
Published online Sep 15, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i18.2661
Effect of lamivudine treatment on plasma levels of transforming growth factor β1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and metalloproteinase-1 in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Robert Flisiak, Haza Al-Kadasi, Jerzy Jaroszewicz, Danuta Prokopowicz, Iwona Flisiak
Robert Flisiak, Haza Al-Kadasi, Jerzy Jaroszewicz, Danuta Prokopowicz, Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University, Bialystok, Poland
Iwona Flisiak, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University, Bialystok, Poland
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Robert Flisiak, MD, Ph.D, Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Unit, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-540 Bialystok, Zurawia str., 14, Poland. flisiakr@priv.onet.pl
Telephone: +48-85-7409481 Fax: +48-85-7434613
Received: January 15, 2004
Revised: January 23, 2004
Accepted: March 4, 2004
Published online: September 15, 2004
Abstract

AIM: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-1 are considered predictive biomarkers of chronic hepatitis activity and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lamivudine treatment on the plasma levels of these peptides in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS: TGF-β1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 40 patients treated with lamivudine for 48 wk. Elimination of HBV-DNA and HBV antigens was evaluated 24 wk after treatment completion.

RESULTS: Baseline TGF-β1 (29.6 ± 2.2 ng/mL) and TIMP-1 (1578 ± 93 ng/mL) significantly exceeded normal values (18.3 ± 1.6 ng/mL and 1102 ± 67 ng/mL respectively). Lamivudine treatment resulted in a significant decrease of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 during treatment with an increase after 24 wk of treatment. Pretreatment MMP-1 levels (6.7 ± 0.7 ng/mL) were significantly lower than normal values (11.9 ± 0.9 ng/mL) and increased during treatment and follow-up. A significant correlation was noted between TGF-β1 or TIMP-1 and aminotransferases as well as fibrosis scored in liver biopsy specimens. There were no statistically significant differences of TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 between four groups at baseline, 24 and 48 wk of treatment. TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 levels increased significantly in non-responders and normalized in responders at wk 72. MMP-1 also normalized in responders and decreased to values significantly lower than normal in non-responders.

CONCLUSION: These findings support the role of TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B. Because of their association with hepatic injury and antiviral treatment efficacy, determination of these peptides may be useful in disease management.

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