Host response to translocated microbial products predicts outcomes of patients with HBV or HCV infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) is a leading cause of cirrhosis by unknown mechanisms of pathogenesis. Translocation of gut microbial products into the systemic circulation might increase because of increased intestinal permeability, bacterial overgrowth, or impaired clearance of microbial products by Kupffer cells. We investigated whether the extent and progression of liver disease in patients with chronic HBV or HCV infection are associated with microbial translocation and subsequent activation of monocytes.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we analyzed data from 16 patients with minimal fibrosis, 68 with cirrhosis, and 67 uninfected volunteers. We analyzed plasma levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14), intestinal fatty acid binding pro

SUBMITTER: Sandler NG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3186837 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature