Plasma heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor levels in patients after partial hepatectomy as determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998 May 29;246(3):783-7. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.8703.

Abstract

We recently showed that heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) has hepatotrophic effects. In this study, we developed an ELISA system with high specificity and sensitivity for human plasma HB-EGF. In 14 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy, plasma HB-EGF levels were measured serially after surgery. In patients who underwent gross hepatectomy (lobectomy and segmentectomy), plasma HB-EGF levels increased, reaching maximal levels approximately 5 to 7 days after surgery. In patients who underwent minor hepatectomy (subsegmentectomy), plasma HB-EGF levels did not increase. Maximal plasma HB-EGF levels were significantly higher in patients who had a percent increased volume of the remaining liver (%ILV) above 20% than those who had a %ILV below 20% (32.4 +/- 19.6 pg/ml vs 7.4 +/- 2.7, P < 0.05). The plasma HB-EGF values did not correlate with WBC counts, C-reactive protein, or alanine aminotransferase. Plasma HB-EGF may be a marker for liver regeneration after hepatectomy in humans.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / surgery
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / blood*
  • Female
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
  • Hepatectomy*
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Liver Regeneration*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • HBEGF protein, human
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Epidermal Growth Factor