Transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) in hepatocellular carcinomas and adjacent hepatic parenchyma

We examined stage T1 to T4 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) to determine whether transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) presence differed between early- and late-stage HCC and. between tumors with low and high proliferative rates. Paraffin sections from 36 RCC were evaluated for TGF alpha and the proliferation markers Kiel 67 antigen (Ki67) or proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) by immunoperoxidase staining. In 12 cases, double staining for TGF alpha: and Ki67 was also performed, Eight-one percent of tumors and 94% of adjacent liver sections contained TGF alpha. A trend toward inverse correlation was seen between the percentage of TGF alpha-positive tumor cells and the proliferative rate as determined by Ki67 staining, No clear correlation of TGF alpha to either tumor stage or percentage of PCNA-positive cells was seen. This study confirms the presence of TGF alpha in the majority of early-and late-stage HCC. Positivity within tumor tissue is consistent with autocrine or paracrine stimulation. A trend toward inverse correlation between TGF alpha-producing cells and the number of cycling cells suggests that rapidly proliferating tumors, may consume this growth factor at an accelerated rate. Alternatively, other hepatic mitogens may have more functional significance in these latter tumors, Finally, the presence of TGF alpha in peritumoral hepatocytes suggests these cells as potential sources of paracrine stimulation for HCC. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.