Evaluation of the cytokine mannose-binding lectin as a mediator of periportal fibrosis progression in patients with schistosomiasis.

INTRODUCTION

We hypothesized higher mannose-binding lectin level and classic factors (i.e., age, sex, alcohol consumption, exposure, and specific treatment) are associated with the severity of periportal fibrosis in schistosomiasis.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 79 patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni with severe or mild/moderate periportal fibrosis. Serum concentrations of mannose-binding lectin were obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Higher serum level of mannose-binding lectin was significantly associated with advanced periportal fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Mannose-binding lectin may contribute to liver pathology in schistosomiasis and may represent a risk factor for advanced periportal fibrosis in the Brazilian population studied.