Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products and liver stiffness in postoperative biliary atresia

ObjectivesSoluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) has emerged as a possible biomarker of several disease conditions, including liver injury. This study was aimed to assess serum sRAGE and liver stiffness in biliary atresia (BA).Design and methodsForty postoperative BA patients and 20 controls were enrolled. Serum sRAGE levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Liver stiffness scores were measured by transient elastography.ResultsBA patients had higher serum sRAGE and liver stiffness values than controls (P < 0.001). Serum sRAGE and liver stiffness values were significantly elevated in BA patients with jaundice compared to those without jaundice (P < 0.001). Additionally, serum sRAGE was correlated with liver stiffness and serum total bilirubin (r = 0.65, P < 0.001 and r = 0.71, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionSerum sRAGE was associated with the severity of BA. Accordingly, serum sRAGE and liver stiffness may serve as indicators reflecting the severity and the development of hepatic fibrosis in postoperative BA.

► BA patients had higher serum sRAGE and liver stiffness values than controls.
► Serum sRAGE was greater in BA patients with jaundice than those without jaundice.
► Serum sRAGE was positively correlated with liver stiffness in postoperative BA.
► Serum sRAGE may serve as an indicator for determining the severity in BA.