Abstract | AIM: METHODS: We analyzed serum anti- nucleosome Ab levels in 38 patients with AIH by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and assessed their correlation with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Anti- nucleosome Ab levels were significantly higher in AIH, but not in patients with chronic hepatitis B (n = 20) or chronic hepatitis C (n = 20), compared to healthy controls (n = 15). The positive prevalence of anti- nucleosome Ab was 71.1% in AIH. Anti- nucleosome Ab levels were significantly lower during remission compared to that during flares within the same patients with AIH. Total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in patients with anti- nucleosome Ab levels of 53.7 U/mL or more compared to those with less than 53.7 U/mL at disease onset. Analysis of the reduction in anti- nucleosome Ab by immunosuppressive therapy in 16 AIH patients revealed that age at disease onset was significantly lower and IgG levels and relapse rates were significantly higher in patients with a reduction rate of less than 35% compared to those with a reduction rate 35% or more. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score and γ- globulin levels were also higher in patients with reduction rates of less than 35% (borderline significance). CONCLUSION: Anti- nucleosome Ab in AIH patients may be useful markers not only for disease diagnosis, but also for activity assessment and relapse prediction.
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Authors | Junko Yokokawa, Yukiko Kanno, Kazumichi Abe, Hironobu Saito, Kyoko Monoe, Fumiko Katsushima, Natsumi Sakamoto, Atsushi Takahashi, Hirohide Yokokawa, Hiromasa Ohira |
Journal | Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology
(Hepatol Res)
Vol. 44
Issue 4
Pg. 420-8
(Apr 2014)
ISSN: 1386-6346 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 23607768
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © 2013 The Japan Society of Hepatology. |