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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2006; 12(38): 6193-6197
Published online Oct 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i38.6193
Expression of β2-integrin on leukocytes in liver cirrhosis
Anatol Panasiuk, Janusz Zak, Elzbieta Maciorkowska, Bozena Panasiuk, Danuta Prokopowicz
Anatol Panasiuk, Danuta Prokopowicz, Bozena Panasiuk, Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
Janusz Zak, Department of Pediatrics Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
Elzbieta Maciorkowska, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
Correspondence to: Anatol Panasiuk, MD, Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok 15-540, Zurawia Str. 14, Poland. anatol@panasiuk.pl
Telephone: +48-85-7416921 Fax: +48-85-7416921
Received: June 27, 2005
Revised: June 28, 2005
Accepted: July 28, 2005
Published online: October 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To analyze β2-integrin expression on blood leukocytes in liver cirrhosis.

METHODS: In 40 patients with liver cirrhosis and 20 healthy individuals, the evaluation of expression of CD11a (LFA-1α), CD11b (Mac-1α), CD11c (αX) and CD49d (VLA-4α) on peripheral blood leukocytes was performed using flow cytometry. The analysis was carried out in groups of patients divided into B and C according to Child-Pugh’s classification.

RESULTS: An increased CD11a, CD11b, CD11c and CD49d integrin expression was observed on peripheral blood leukocytes in liver cirrhosis. The integrin levels were elevated as the advancement of liver failure progressed. The highest expression of integrins occurred predominantly on monocytes. A slight expression of VLA-4 was found on lymphocytes and granulocytes and it increased together with liver failure. A positive correlation was noted between median intensity of fluorescence (MIF) expression on polymorphonuclear cells of CD11a and CD11c and CD49d (r = 0.42, P < 0.01; r = 053, P < 0.01, respectively) in liver cirrhosis stage C. However, no correlation was observed between integrin expression on leukocytes. The concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and TNFα, were significantly elevated in liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION: β2-integrin expression on leukocytes increases in liver cirrhosis decompensated as the stage of liver failure increases, which is a result of permanent activation of leukocytes circulating through the inflamed liver environment. β2-integrin expression on circulating leukocytes can intensify liver cirrhosis.

Keywords: β2-integrin, Liver cirrhosis, Flow cytometry, Leukocytes