PLASMA IPGE(2) AND I6-KETO PGE(1-ALPHA) IN THE COURSE OF LIVER-CIRRHOSIS

Plasma iPGE(2) and i6-keto PGF(1 alpha) were measured with an EIA assa y in twenty patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC group) and 13 patients with hepatitis B virus as an etiologic factor of liver cirrhosis (HLC group). Significant increase of both prostanoids was o bserved irrespectively of the etiology of liver cirrhosis. Their level s increased depending on the degree of liver insufficiency with the hi ghest values in patients classified as Child-Pugh C class. A significa nt, positive correlation with Child-Pugh score was found regarding PGE (2) (r = 0,657; p < 0,001) as well as 6-keto PGF(1 alpha) (r = 0,736; p < 0,001). Correlation (r = 0,789; p < 0,001) was also observed betwe en levels of both prostaglandins. In conclusion we have shown that pla sma iPGE, and i6-keto PGF(1 alpha) arise simultaneously with the degre e of liver insufficiency, that can be a result of activation of non-pa renchymal liver cells accompanying hepatic fibrosis.