Expression of trefoil factor family 1, 2, and 3 peptide is augmented in hepatolithiasis

Trefoil factor family (TFF) 1, 2, and 3 is a mucin-associated protein involved in the maintenance of mucosal barrier and restitution of lining epithelial cells. In this study, the expression of TFF1, 2, and 3 and MUC mucins were examined immunohistochemically in hepatolithiasis and control livers. The expression of TFF1, 2, and 3 were augmented markedly in biliary mucosa in hepatolithiasis in coordinate with gel-forming mucin. TFF3 was detected in hepatic bile samples of hepatolithiasis. Augmented expression and secretion of TFF in biliary mucosa in hepatolithiasis may play a role in lithogenesis together with gel-forming mucin in addition to mucosal defense and repair.