['Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is a key mediator of colonic mucosal protection and/or repair mechanisms in orally induced acute dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis. However, it also has been suggested that TGF-alpha may contribute to malignant transformation in the colon. The aim of the studies was to determine whether TGF-alpha is needed for malignant transformation in orally induced chronic DSS colitis using TGF-alpha deficient mice (wa-1) and Balb/c mice, a strain competent in TGF-alpha.', 'Chronic colitis was induced by oral administration of DSS (5%) for 7 days followed by drinking water for 10 days in wa-1 and Balb/c mice (n = 20, per group). In the two subsequent cycles (7 days DSS, 10 days water) 3% DSS-water was utilized due to a high mortality in the wa-1 group. Mucosal injury severity was assessed histologically and graded (three grades). A crypt damage score (CDS) reflecting all three grades of mucosal pathology was calculated. Mucosal dysplasia and cancerous lesions were noted.', 'Seven per cent of the entire colonic mucosa was completely destroyed in wa-1 animals compared to 3% in Balb/c mice (P < 0.05). The CDS was 10.2 +/- 0.4 and 4.8 +/- 0.3 in wa-1 and Balb/c mice, respectively (P < 0.05). Fifteen incidences of mucosal dysplasia were found in the 10 surviving wa-1 animals and 31 incidences were found in 20 Balb/c animals. In both groups, one fully developed adenomatous cancerous lesion was present.'] Is transforming growth factor-alpha ( TGF-alpha ) needed for malignant transformation in experimental colitis?