Hepatocyte growth factor levels in livers and serum at Kasai-portoenterostomy are not predictive of clinical outcome in infants with biliary atresia

Growth Factors. 2019 Apr;37(1-2):68-75. doi: 10.1080/08977194.2019.1626379. Epub 2019 Jun 11.

Abstract

Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by progressive destruction of the biliary system leading to liver fibrosis and deterioration of liver function. Serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to be increased in cirrhotic diseases including BA. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of HGF levels in sera and liver tissue for the further disease course. A total of 49 serum and liver samples from infants with BA were acquired during Kasai-portoenterostomy (KPE) and analyzed by multiplex immunoassay including HGF, as marker of liver regeneration, and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a marker of inflammation. Both mediators showed no correlation with the outcome defined as favorable (survival with native liver (SNL)) or, in contrast, rapid deterioration of liver function requiring transplantation. Our data suggest that the degree of liver regeneration indicated by high levels of HGF within the liver is a dismissible factor in the post-KPE disease course.

Keywords: Biliary atresia; Kasai-procedure; liver growth factors; liver transplantation; long-term outcome; prognosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biliary Atresia / blood*
  • Biliary Atresia / metabolism
  • Biliary Atresia / surgery
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / blood*
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interleukin-6 / blood
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Portoenterostomy, Hepatic / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / blood*
  • Postoperative Complications / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Interleukin-6
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor