Anti-p53 autoantibodies in hepatitis C virus-infected patients.
Mutations in the p53 gene with generation of circulating autoantibodies to p53 protein (anti-p53) have been recently detected in a significant proportion of patients with different malignant diseases. Using ELISA methods we assessed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and anti-p53 as serological screening parameters for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 147 consecutive patients with hepatitis C virus-related chronic hepatitis. Liver cirrhosis was histologically diagnosed in 58 patients (39,5%) and a HCC confirmed in 7 patients (4.8%). Serum AFP levels were raised above 20 ng/ml in 26/147 patients (17.7%) and above 100 ng/ml in 5/147 patients (3.4%). In 6/7 patients with HCC serum AFP was raised above 20 ng/ml, but only in 3/7 cases above 100 ng/ml. Autoantibodies to p53 protein were detected in 3/7 patients with HCC, but in 0/140 patients without HCC (sensitivity 42.9%, specificity 100%). In conclusion, the presence of anti-p53 was specific for malignancy and independent of AFP status. Overall, the sensitivity of serological screening for HCC in patients with hepatitis C virus-related chronic hepatitis was improved by combining AFP measurements (level > 100 ng/ml) with the detection of anti-p53.
Raedle
J
J
Second Department of Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Oremek
G
G
Roth
W K
WK
Caspary
W F
WF
Zeuzem
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000276:immunology*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis
D001323:Autoantibodies; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins