The role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in biliary atresia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to explain the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in biliary atresia (BA).

METHODS:

Concentrations of serum MCP-1 and collagen type IV were measured in 38 patients with BA by using commercially available kits. MCP-1 was also assessed in liver biopsy specimens by using immunohistochemistry. Subjects were classified into groups. Group 1 comprised BA patients with normal liver function (n = 13), group II comprised BA patients with moderate liver dysfunction (n = 18), group III comprised BA patients older than 20 years awaiting liver transplantation (n = 7), and the control group comprised age-matched patients without evidence of liver disease (n = 23).

RESULTS:

Serum MCP-1 levels were significantly increased in group II compared with group I (P < .0001) and the control group (P < .0001). Serum MCP-1 levels in group III were lower than in the control group (P < .0001). There was a significant linear correlation between serum MCP-1 levels and type IV collagen levels in group II. Group II subjects with portal hypertension (PH) had higher MCP-1 levels than those without PH (P = .0009). Biopsy specimens showed MCP-1 was expressed mainly on biliary epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and hepatocytes in group II.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings suggest that MCP-1 probably plays a significant role in the development of progressive liver fibrosis in BA.

• Authors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Takuya Tamatani, Tsuyoshi Tamura, Junichi Kusafuka, Hiroyuki Koga, Atsuyuki Yamataka, Geoffrey J Lane, Katsumi Miyahara, Noriyoshi Sueyoshi, Takeshi Miyano
• Journal: Journal of pediatric surgery (J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 41 Issue 12 Pg. 1967-72 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 1531-5037 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17161183 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Chemokine CCL2
• Collagen Type IV

Topics

• Adolescent
• Biliary Atresia (blood, complications, physiopathology)
• Chemokine CCL2 (blood)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Collagen Type IV (blood)
• Digestive System Surgical Procedures
• Disease Progression
• Humans
• Hypertension, Portal (etiology, physiopathology)
• Liver Cirrhosis (etiology, physiopathology)
• Treatment Outcome