A variant of des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin was increased in alcoholic liver disease without hepatocellular carcinoma

Serum variants of des-gamma -carboxy prothrombin (DCP) recognized by two di fferent monoclonal antibodies, 19B7 and MU-3, were measured in patients wit h alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and the values were compared with those of viral liver disease (VLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the assay that used 19B7 antibody, DCP levels in ALD and HCC were significantly high er than that of VLD, although there was no significant difference in the va lues between ALD and HCC. In the assay that used MU-3 antibody, DCP level o f HCC was significantly higher than those of ALD and VLD, although there wa s no significant difference in values between ALD and VLD. The ratio of 19B 7/MU-3 assay values was significantly higher for ALD than the ratios for VL D and HCC. It is suggested that ALD has a different DCP variant pattern com pared with VLD and HCC, which suggests that ALD has a different mechanism o f DCP production.