[Expression and role of augmenter of liver regeneration in patients with hepatic failure].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression and role of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in hepatic failure.


METHODS
ALR polyclonal antibody was prepared and purified. Serum ALR in patients with hepatic failure, chronic hepatitis B and healthy persons were quantified by ELISA, ALR mRNA in hepatic tissues were quantified by real-time PCR.


RESULTS
Different serum ALR levels foreshowed different outcomes for hepatic failure patients: The liver function was restored in 6 patients with higher ALR level [(1613.5+/-369.6) pmol/ml], and the liver function was deteriorated in 12 patients with lower ALR level [(462.3+/-235.8) pmol/ml]. ALR level in patients with chronic hepatitis B [(969.2+/-332.5) pmol/ml] was similar to that in healthy persons [(806.9+/-240.8) pmol/ml]. ALR mRNA level in hepatic failure patients receiving OLT (103.45 copies/microl) was lower than that in chronic hepatitis B patients (104.37 copies/microl) and healthy persons (104.31 copies/microl), ALR mRNA level in chronic hepatitis B and healthy persons was similar.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest serum ALR level reflected ALR mRNA level in liver and is helpful in estimating the survival time of patients with hepatic failure.
Yu
Hai-Ying
HY
Department of Infectious Disease National Key Lab. of Infectious Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Huang
Hai-Jun
HJ
Xiang
Dai-Rong
DR
Li
Jun
J
Sheng
Ji-Fang
JF