Therapeutic Research

Abstract

Objectives：The management of chronic liver disease is largely influenced by the degree of liver fibrosis. Thus, the assessment of liver fibrosis is an important factor when choosing a therapeutic strategy and for determining prognosis. A Mac‒2 binding protein glycosylation isomer（M2BPGi, reference value≦1.00 cutoff index［COI］）has better diagnostic ability for identifying liver fibrosis than other serum markers, such as type 4 collagen and hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, platelet counts are not a reliable marker for liver fibrosis, as some patients undergoing hemodialysis. Subjects/Method：The biomarkers, such as M2BPGi, platelet counts and type 4 collagen, were investigated in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Results：Among 10 patients without liver disease, 9 showed≦1.00 COI（0.26‒0.91 COI）and 1（age, 84 years）showed 1.17 COI. Platelet counts and the type 4 collagen level were inconsistent with the clinical findings. M2BPGi has almost the same reference value in patients without end‒stage renal disease. On the other hand, 10 patients with a liver disease caused by type B or C virus, alcohol or other etiologies showed from 0.71 to 4.98 COI. Out of 10 cases, 6 exhibited no marked fluctuations in M2BPGi over the course in the course of until 2 years without intervention. Discussion：M2BPGi could be a promising serum marker of liver fibrosis in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.