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Detection of a microsomal antigen and its antibody in human liver diseases
Abstract:
Sera of 173 patients with various forms of liver disease along with serum precipitates produced by polyethylene glycol were screened for the presence of a microsomal antigen referred to as ubiquitous tissue antigen (UTA) and its antibody by double diffusion precipitation in agarose gel. UTA was detected in 7 or 26 patients with chronic active hepatitis, 1 of 5 with alcoholic hepatitis, 2 of 14 with alcoholic cirrhosis and 18 of 98 with hepatoma. Antibodies to UTA were found only in 2 patients with chronic active hepatitis, 1 with alcoholic cirrhosis and 1 with hepatoma. No UTA or its antibody were noted in sera of 5 patients with alcoholic fatty liver, 10 patients with hepatitis B, and 15 asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg. Positivity for the UTA or its antibody was restricted to severe, chronic cases irrespective of diagnosis, indicating that persistent tissue destruction might be necessary for antigen release or antibody formation.
Insights
Ubiquitous tissue antigen (UTA) and its antibody were investigated in liver disease patients. Positivity was linked to severe, chronic liver conditions, suggesting tissue destruction is key for antigen release or antibody formation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microsomal antigens play a role in liver disease pathogenesis.
- Understanding antigen-antibody interactions can aid in disease diagnosis and understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of ubiquitous tissue antigen (UTA) and its antibody in patients with various liver diseases.
- To determine the correlation between UTA/anti-UTA and specific liver disease types and severity.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 173 liver disease patients were screened using double diffusion precipitation in agarose gel.
- Detection of ubiquitous tissue antigen (UTA) and its corresponding antibody.
Main Results:
- UTA was detected in chronic active hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatoma.
- Antibodies to UTA were found in chronic active hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatoma patients.
- No UTA or antibodies were found in alcoholic fatty liver or hepatitis B patients, or HBsAg carriers.
Conclusions:
- The presence of UTA or its antibody is associated with severe, chronic liver diseases.
- Persistent liver tissue destruction may be required for UTA release or anti-UTA formation.
- UTA and its antibody may serve as potential biomarkers for severe chronic liver conditions.