Serum BLyS/BAFF predicts the outcome of acute hepatitis C virus infection

Abstract

B-lymphocyte stimulator/B activating factor (BLyS/BAFF) is a tumour necrosis factor-family cytokine that plays a key role in generating and maintaining the mature B-cell pool. BLyS/BAFF expression by macrophages is stimulated by interferon-gamma and interleukin-10, and its serum levels are increased in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The aim of this study was to assess serum levels of BLyS/BAFF in patients with acute hepatitis C (AHC) and correlate them with disease outcome. We studied 28 patients with AHC (14 males, mean age 59.3 +/- 15 years), followed for at least 7 months since onset, comparing them with 86 CHC patients and 25 healthy blood donors (HBD). BLyS/BAFF levels were assessed at baseline (within 4 weeks of onset) and during follow-up. BLyS/BAFF median levels were significantly higher in AHC (1485 pg/mL) than in CHC (1058 pg/mL) and in HBD (980 pg/mL) (P < 0.001). BLyS/BAFF levels were higher in AHC patients evolving to chronicity (1980 pg/mL) than in those with a self-limited course (1200 pg/mL), (P = 0.02). By logistic regression analysis, higher BLyS/BAFF levels were independently associated with persistence of HCV infection (OR 29.7; 95% CI: 1.73-508.20). High serum levels of BLyS/BAFF at onset of AHC can predict its evolution to chronic infection.

B-cell subset alterations and correlated factors in HIV-1 infection

“…Sugalski et al [14] further showed that serum IL-7 levels or CD4 þ T-cell frequency did not correlate with transitional or activated memory B cells percentages during chronic HCV infection, as instead reported during HIV-1 infection [13], thus suggesting that other factors may be involved in alterations of the B-cell subsets. Interestingly, production of the B-cell activating factor (Blys/BAFF) was shown to correlate with similar alteration of B cells in HCV, HIV-1, and HIV-2 infection [14][15][16][17]. Blys/BAFF may, thus, be a common factor driving abnormal activation of B-cell populations during these viral infections.…”

Association of BAFF −871C/T Promoter Polymorphism with Hepatitis C-Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemia in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients

“…The possible role of BLyS/BAFF in MC has been intensively investigated in several studies [32,[43][44][45], which found significantly higher BLyS/BAFF levels in HCV-MC patients than in HCV patients without MC.…”

B cell activating factor (BAFF) in the natural history of chronic hepatitis C virus liver disease and mixed cryoglobulinaemia

“…Alternatively, a direct effect of HCV on BAFF-secreting cells could account for similar findings. A recent study described higher BAFF levels in patients with acute hepatitis C that progressed to chronicity [36]. The higher hepatitis C viral loads that characterize persistent infection more probably reflect lower endogenous IFN expression.…”