HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR IN RENAL TRANSPLANTED PATIENTS WITH HCV INFECTION

Abstract

Hepatocyte Growth Factor is a potent scatter factor for liver cell regeneration. It has also a protective and a • regenerative function on renal cell. Hepatocyte growth factor may have a role in the benign course of Hepatitis C Virus (I-ICV) infection acquired during dialysis treatment after renal transplantation. Our study included 33 renal transplant patients with positive I-ICV infection and a serum creatinine not more than 2 mg/dl. I 0 patients with positive I-ICV infection and normal renal function were taken as controls. We estimate serum hepatocyte growth factor (I-IGF) in both groups. Conclusions:-There was no statistically significant difference in serum hepatocyte growth factor level in both transplanted patients with normal graft function and the control group with normal kidney and liver function with HCV positive infection. There was a significant positive correlation between serum hepatocyte growth factor and any of serum creatinine , SGPT and cyclosporine blood level.