Summary
- Patients with HBV-ACLF had higher levels of liver enzymes, bilirubin, inflammatory markers, and lower levels of blood cells compared to patients with CHB.
- Plasma Gal-9 expression was significantly elevated in patients with HBV-ACLF.
- CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in patients with HBV-ACLF expressed higher levels of Gal-9 and Tim-3.
- Gal-9 levels were increased in liver tissues of patients with HBV-ACLF and were located in cirrhotic nodules.
- Plasma Gal-9 levels were correlated with liver failure indicators and were associated with prognosis in patients with HBV-ACLF, showing potential as a prognostic marker.
The Link Between Gal-9 and Liver Disease
A recent study has shed light on the connection between Gal-9 expression and liver diseases such as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The research compared patients with HBV-ACLF to those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to understand the role of Gal-9 in liver health.
The Demographic Profile of Patients
The study included 33 patients each in the HBV-ACLF group and the CHB group. Patients with HBV-ACLF had higher levels of certain markers like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin compared to CHB patients. On the other hand, HBV-ACLF patients had lower levels of blood platelets, lactic acid, and red blood cells. Age, sex, and creatinine levels did not show significant differences between the two groups.
Plasma Gal-9 Expression in HBV-ACLF Patients
The study found that patients with HBV-ACLF had elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and Gal-9 in their plasma compared to CHB patients. This suggests a potential link between Gal-9 expression and the progression of liver disease in HBV-ACLF patients.
Gal-9 Expression in T Cells of HBV-ACLF Patients
Further analysis using flow cytometry revealed that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HBV-ACLF patients had higher levels of Gal-9 and Tim-3 expression compared to CHB patients. This indicates that Gal-9 may play a role in the immune response in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.
Gal-9 Expression in Liver Tissues
Tissue samples from patients undergoing liver transplantation or liver puncture showed that Gal-9 expression was higher in patients with HBV-ACLF than in those with CHB. Interestingly, Gal-9 was localized in the regenerated cirrhotic nodules of ACLF patients, pointing to its involvement in liver regeneration processes.
Gal-9 Expression in Kupffer Cells
Immunofluorescence staining revealed that Gal-9 was expressed by Kupffer cells (KCs) in the liver tissues of patients with ACLF. This suggests that Gal-9 may play a role in the immune response within the liver, particularly in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.
Gal-9 Correlation with ACLF Indicators
Analysis showed that plasma Gal-9 levels were positively correlated with various liver function indicators such as ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and inflammatory markers like IFN-γ and IL-6. This indicates a potential association between Gal-9 expression and the severity of liver disease in HBV-ACLF patients.
Gal-9 Prognostic Value in HBV-ACLF
The study also assessed the prognostic significance of Gal-9 in HBV-ACLF patients. Patients with higher levels of Gal-9 had a lower overall survival rate, suggesting that Gal-9 expression could be used as a prognostic marker for HBV-ACLF. Additionally, the combined use of Gal-9 and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score showed improved predictive ability for patient outcomes.
In conclusion, the research highlights the potential role of Gal-9 in liver diseases, particularly in patients with HBV-ACLF. Further studies are needed to explore the specific mechanisms by which Gal-9 affects liver function and its implications for patient prognosis. This new understanding could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for liver diseases in the future.
Gastroenterology, Critical Care, Biomarker, Liver Failure