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

ObjectivesThis study was aimed at searching noninvasive markers of the transition from mild to severe fibrosis stage in HCV patients undergoing hepatic fibrosis.Design and methodsThirty-three patients affected by chronic HCV vs. twenty healthy donors were evaluated for the serum levels of several circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), TRAIL and β-NGF by multiplex biometric ELISA based immunoassay and anti- and pro-oxidant status (d-ROMs, BAP and NO) using a Diacron automated method.ResultsHCV patients displayed increased expression levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, TRAIL and β-NGF, and an imbalance between pro- and antioxidant status, that contribute to liver fibrosis.ConclusionsSince 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.

► Chronic HCV infection is characterized by different degrees of fibrosis.
► MMP-8 and MMP-9 are up-expressed in HCV patients with different stages of fibrosis.
► An imbalance between pro- and antioxidant status in HCV patients.
► TRAIL and β-NGF are up-expressed in HCV patients with different stages of fibrosis.
► All these parameters can be used as markers for HCV patients.