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Fibrosis severity &
Mannan-Binding Lectin (MBL)/MBL-Associated Serine Protease 1
(MASP-1) Complex in HCV Infected Patients
Sherif A. El Saadany1, Dina H Ziada1,
Wael Farrag2& Sahar Hazaa3
Departments of Tropical Medicine1,
Internal Medicine2 &Clinical Pathology3,
Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
Tanta Med. Sc. J 2009; 4(3):132-142
ICID: 913699
Article type: Original articleIC™ Value: 4.54
| bstract provided by Publisher |
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Background/Aim: Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin
synthesised in the liver and secreted into the blood stream. It
binds microorganisms via interactions with glycans on the target
surface. Bound MBL subsequently activates MBL-associated serine
protease proenzymes (MASPs). A lot of studies have investigated the
possible role for MBL in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by
examining MBL levels and polymorphisms in relation to disease
progression and response to treatment. The aim of this study is to
investigate serum levels of MBL and MBL/MASP-1 complex activity in
patients with mild & severe chronic HCV infection to define a
possible relationship between HCV disease progression and functional
MBL/MASP-1 complex activity as a part of innate immunity. Patient &
Methods: Serum level of MBL and Functional assays for MBL/MASP-1
complex activity were examined in sera of 80 Egyptian patients with
chronic HCV infection. The patients were divided into 2 groups
according to liver biopsy results, group I (40 HCV patients having
mild hepatic fibrosis -Ishak fibrosis stages 0–1) & group II (40 HCV
patients having severe hepatic fibrosis -Ishak fibrosis stages 5–6),
in addition to 20 healthy controls as group III. Analysis of
MBL/MASP-1 complex activity at 0, 3 and 6 months was performed in
all patients. Results: Serum levels of MBL and MBL/MASP-1 complex
activity were higher in sera of patients with chronic HCV liver
disease compared to controls. MBL/MASP-1 complex activity levels
correlate with the severity of fibrosis (P = 0.003). MBL/MASP-1
complex activity associated more significantly with fibrosis than
MBL concentration. Conclusion: There is an association between
MBL/MASP-1 complex activity and fibrosis development in HCV-infected
patients, which is more distinct than MBL concentration which plays
important role in innate immunity.This potential role needs further
study to investigate its possible mechanisms.
ICID 913699
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