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Hepatocellular MxA protein expression supports the differentiation of recurrent hepatitis C disease from acute cellular rejection after liver transplantation
Author(s) -
MacQuillan Gerry C.,
de Boer W. Bastiaan,
Allan Jane E.,
Platten Michael A.,
Reed William D.,
Jeffrey Gary P.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01068.x
Subject(s) - medicine , liver transplantation , hepatitis c virus , hepatitis c , transplantation , liver disease , hepatocellular carcinoma , pathology , chronic liver disease , gastroenterology , immunology , virus , cirrhosis
MacQuillan GC, de Boer WB, Allan JE, Platten MA, Reed WD, Jeffrey GP. Hepatocellular MxA protein expression supports the differentiation of recurrent hepatitis C disease from acute cellular rejection after liver transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01068.x
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Differentiation of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease from acute cellular rejection (ACR) following liver transplantation can be difficult. Previously, we have found that MxA protein, a specific and sensitive marker for type 1 interferon production, is strongly expressed in chronic HCV disease. Here, we investigate MxA expression as a marker for recurrent HCV disease in the livers of 14 adult HCV patients who underwent liver transplantation. Serial liver biopsies available for 12 of these patients were stained for MxA protein and scored using a semi‐quantitative approach . Hepatocellular MxA protein levels were significantly up‐regulated (p = 0.025) in recurrent HCV disease in comparison to ACR. In biopsies that showed histological changes consistent with recurrent HCV disease, strong hepatocellular MxA staining was present in 14/18 (78%). In the liver biopsies with histological evidence of ACR, strong MxA hepatocellular staining was present in only three of 10 (30%). Thus, assessment of hepatocellular MxA protein expression can contribute to the differential diagnosis of ACR and recurrent HCV disease following liver transplantation. In conclusion, analysis of intrahepatic MxA levels has the potential to reduce the inappropriate use with high‐dose pulsing of steroids post‐operatively.