Characterization of metalloproteinases, oxidative status and inflammation levels in the different stages of fibrosis in HCV patients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at searching noninvasive markers of the transition from mild to severe fibrosis stage in HCV patients undergoing hepatic fibrosis. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients affected by chronic HCV vs. twenty healthy donors were evaluated for the serum levels of several circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), TRAIL and ß-NGF by multiplex biometric ELISA based immunoassay and anti- and pro-oxidant status (d-ROMs, BAP and NO) using a Diacron automated method. RESULTS: HCV patients displayed increased expression levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, TRAIL and ß-NGF, and an imbalance between pro- and antioxidant status, that contribute to liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Since the determination of these parameters represents a reliable and easily applicable method, these parameters are suggested as serum surrogate markers for HCV patients in the routine clinical practice.