Plasma osteopontin concentration correlates with the severity of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in HCV-infected subjects.

BACKGROUND

The association between OPN level and the histological severity of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced liver fibrosis remains unknown.

METHODS

120 chronic HCV-infected subjects and 75 controls were enrolled in this study. Assessment of liver histology was performed based on liver biopsy. Plasma OPN levels were determined.

RESULTS

Significant differences were noted in the mean plasma OPN levels between subjects with extensive fibrosis and those with mild fibrosis (4.29+/-1.01 ng/ml vs. 2.15+/-0.63 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001). Similarly, the subjects with higher histological activity index (HAI) score had elevated OPN levels than those with mild HAI score (4.41+/-1.11 ng/ml vs. 2.25+/-0.94 ng/ml, respectively; p<0.001). The correlation between the plasma OPN levels and the severity of liver fibrosis degree and HAI score were noted (r=0.945, and r=0.788, respectively both p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum OPN was an independent risk factor contributing to extensive liver fibrosis and inflammation (p=0.0018 and p<0.001, respectively) in patients with HCV subjects.

CONCLUSION

The plasma OPN level is correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting OPN could be used as a biomarker to evaluate the severity of liver damages in HCV subjects.