transforming-growth-factor-alpha and Biliary-Atresia

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a mitogenic, chemotactic, and cell matrix-inducing factor for fibroblasts. We generated murine monoclonal antibodies against CTGF and established a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of CTGF. By using the ELISA, we confirmed that CTGF was specifically induced in human fibroblasts by TGF-beta but not by PDGF, FGF, IGF-I, or EGF. We also found that the serum levels of CTGF were significantly correlated with the progression of hepatic fibrosis in biliary atresia. These results indicated that CTGF is potentially a useful parameter for monitoring certain types of fibrotic disorders.

Topics: Biliary Atresia; Connective Tissue Growth Factor; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fibroblasts; Growth Substances; Humans; Immediate-Early Proteins; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Function Tests; Single-Blind Method; Transforming Growth Factor alpha