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Soluble CD30 serum level in HCV-positive chronic active hepatitis: A surrogate marker of disease activity?
F G Foschi1, A Gramenzi, E Castelli
1Semeiotica Medica, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Cardioangiologia, Epatologia, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. fgfoschi@tin.it
Insights
High levels of soluble CD30 (sCD30) were found in chronic hepatitis C patients, correlating with disease severity. This suggests sCD30 may serve as a valuable marker for tracking hepatitis C activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant global health concern.
- T helper 2 (Th2) cells and their cytokine profiles play a role in HCV pathogenesis.
- Soluble CD30 (sCD30), a glycoprotein released by Th2 cells, is implicated in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum sCD30 levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- To determine the correlation between sCD30 levels and histological disease activity.
- To assess the potential of sCD30 as a biomarker for chronic HCV infection.
Main Methods:
- Serum sCD30 levels were measured in 29 patients with chronic active hepatitis C and 30 healthy controls.
- Histological activity index and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were assessed.
- Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate correlations.
Main Results:
- 45% of HCV patients exhibited elevated serum sCD30 levels compared to controls.
- Mean sCD30 levels were significantly higher in HCV patients (P<0.0005).
- Serum sCD30 levels positively correlated with histological activity index (r=0.59, P=0.001) and ALT levels (r=0.5, P=0.006).
Conclusions:
- Elevated sCD30 in chronic hepatitis C suggests Th2 cell activation.
- sCD30 may serve as a useful surrogate marker for disease activity in chronic HCV.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of sCD30 in HCV management.
Abstract:
In the present study, high levels of CD30s, a glycoprotein preferentially expressed and released by T lymphocytes producing Th(2)-type cytokines, were seen in the sera of patients with chronic hepatitis C, and a correlation with histological activity of the disease was found. CD30s levels were assayed in the sera of 29 HCV RNA-positive patients with histologically proven chronic active hepatitis and in 30 healthy blood donors. Thirteen of 29 (45%) HCV patients had CD30s serum levels above the normal range (>20 U/ml). Mean CD30s serum levels were significantly higher in HCV patients than in controls (P<0.0005). A positive correlation was found between serum CD30s levels and both the histological activity index (r=0.59, P=0.001) and ALT serum levels (r=0.5; P=0.006). The raised CD30s level found in more severe HCV liver disease indirectly suggests activation and expansion of Th(2)cells. CD30s levels could represent a useful surrogate marker of activity in chronic HCV infections.