Abstract: 　AIM:To explore the changes in TGF β1 mRNA in patients with schistosomal liver fibrosis.METHODS:Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and dot blot analysis were used to determine the level of TGF β1 mRNA in PBMC. The serum levels of hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen, laminine and procollagen Ⅲ peptide were also measured simultaneously. RESULTS: The mean level (m ±s) of PBMC TGF β1 mRNA was significantly higher in late stage schistosomiasis group (LSS)(1.26±0.14), liver cirrhosis group (LC)(2.05±0.81) and hepatocellular carcinoma group (HCC) than that in control group (0 62 ±0 40) (P<0.05). PBMC TGF β1 mRNA level was higher in LC and HCC than that in LSS (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in TGF β1 mRNA between PBMC and liver tissue in patients with HCC. All patients with increased fibrogenic activity (i.e., abnormal levels of serum HA, Col IV and LN ) had increased levels of TGF β1 mRNA. CONCLUSION:The level of TGF β1 mRNA is correlated with the fibrotic activity of liver,the increasement of TGF β1 mRNA in schistosomiasis patients after praziquantel treatment might induce liver fibrosis.

Key words: Transforming growth factor β1, schistosomiasis japonica, PBMC