SERUM BETA(2)-MICROGLOBULIN IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C

beta(2)-Microglobulin (beta(2)-MG) plays a key role in influencing the immune response to viral infections as it is an integrating part of t he main histocompatibility system (HLA). We attempted to evaluate the changes in class I HLA antigens by comparing the serum beta(2)-MG beha vior in a group of patients affected by chronic hepatitis C with that observed in a group of healthy controls. Our study revealed that the p atients presented higher serum beta(2)-MG levels than healthy controls (P = 0.0003). beta(2)-MG levels were correlated with duration and deg ree of the disease. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant correlation between beta(2)-MG and HCV RNA levels, while no correlati ons were observed between serum beta(2)-MG levels and HCV genotypes. T he increment in serum beta(2)-MG values accompanying the progression o f liver disease may be an expression of augmented production rather th an altered excretion.