Expression of beta2-integrin on leukocytes in liver cirrhosis.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze beta2-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-1alpha), CD11b (Mac-1alpha), CD11c (alphaX) and CD49d (VLA-4alpha) 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 TNFalpha, were significantly elevated in liver cirrhosis.


CONCLUSIONS
beta2-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. beta2-integrin expression on circulating leukocytes can intensify liver cirrhosis.
Panasiuk
Anatol
A
Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok 15-540, Zurawia Str. 14, Poland. anatol@panasiuk.pl
Zak
Janusz
J
Maciorkowska
Elzbieta
E
Panasiuk
Bozena
B
Prokopowicz
Danuta
D
D000328:Adult; D018821:CD18 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D039001:Integrin alpha Chains / Q000378:metabolism*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism
D018821:CD18 Antigens; D039001:Integrin alpha Chains