sICAM-1, sCD95 and sCD95L levels in chronic liver diseases of different etiology

The release of soluble circulating molecules represents a prominent feature during the course of immune-mediated clinical conditions. To further asses s the relationship between serum concentrations of adhesion or apoptotic-re lated soluble structures and liver diseases, we evaluated the levels of int ercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), Fas receptor (CD95) and Fas ligan d (sCD95L) in a group of patients affected by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)induce d chronic hepatitis (CH-C), HCV-positive liver cirrhosis with superimposed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC). Results show that sIC AM-1 values were in all instances significantly elevated when compared to t hose seen in healthy donors. Similar findings were noted in subjects with l iver diseases in terms of sCD95 concentrations, even if to a different degr ee of statistical significance. Finally, sCD95L amounts were augmented in A IH, PBC, ALC and CH-C in comparison to controls, while in the HCC counterpa rt sCD95L levels fell within normal range. All together, these findings emphasize the occurrence of circulating solubl e molecules in patients with various chronic liver diseases, likely reflect ing the involvement of several pathogenetic mechanisms.