[The problems of collagen formation in chronic liver diseases]

With employment of radioimmunoassay, the level of procollagen-III-peptide was measured in the blood of 71 patients with chronic hepatic diseases versus 20 healthy controls. This level was examined for correlation with characteristics of the etiological factor, the degree of hepatic-cellular inflammation and immune reactions. Procollagen-III-peptide concentrations were directly correlated with transaminases and reversely with activity of antibody formation. Collagenopoiesis gained intensity in the range from chronic persistent hepatitis to hepatic cirrhosis. Virus infection and alcohol are among the most potent etiological factors stimulating collagenopoiesis. The least procollagen levels occurred in hepatic diseases obscure in origin.