Lack of leukocyte migration inhibition by hepatitis B surface antigen in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Soluble part of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue extracts with or without hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was tested against leukocytes of 13 histologically confirmed HCC patients. Inhibition of leukocyte migration was observed in 9 out of 13 cases when tested by soluble HCC extract containing HBsAg, while inhibition of lukocyte migration was observed in 8 out of 13 cases when tested by solublp greater than 0.05, by Fisher's exact test). In the meantime, soluble HCC extract with or without HBsAg did not significantly cause inhibition of leukocyte migration in 12 non-HCC patients. Therefore, it is concluded that inhibition of leukocyte migration in HCC patients is caused by the tumor-associated antigen, not caused by HBsAg.