Soluble complement receptor type 1 (sCR1) in chronic liver diseases: serum levels at different stages of liver diseases

Abstract

SUMMARYComplement receptor type 1 (CR1) is an integral membrane protein of many haematopoietic cells and plays an important role in the clearance of complement-associated immune complexes, favouring their transport to liver and spleen macrophages. A small amount of soluble CR1 (sCR1) is also found in plasma and might originate directly from release of leucocytes and other circulating cells. In previous studies, an increase in serum sCR1 level has been observed in liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal failure. High levels have also been found in patients with some haematologic malignancies. sCR1 serum levels were measured using a specific double sandwich ELISA assay. The present study demonstrates the correlation between mean serum sCR1 concentrations and disease severity in patients with chronic liver disease. In patients with liver cirrhosis, grouped according to the Child-Pugh classification, sCR1 rose as liver function decreased. The presence of neoplastic growth in the liver apparently does not play a role in the increase of sCR1. Serum sCR1 was not elevated in other solid malignancies. Since sCR1 accumulates in liver diseases, evaluation of its serum levels could be useful as a liver function test.

Human complement receptor type 1 (CR1) protein levels and genetic variants in chronic Chagas Disease

“…Patients with chronic CD had significantly decreased levels of CR1 compared to healthy controls. Plasma levels observed in the control group were in accordance with those reported in other studies 38 , 40 . The reduced CR1 expression on erythrocytes combined with increased levels of immune complexes has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of HIV, SARS-CoV, M. tuberculosis and M. leprae infections 33 , 36 , 37 , 39 .…”

“…Besides the role of CR1 in facilitating the entry of intracellular pathogens into host cells, CR1 protein levels were shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of different diseases including malaria 28 , tuberculosis 36 , lepromatous leprosy 37 , severe acute respiratory syndrome 33 , chronic liver diseases 38 , HIV infection among others 39 . The CR1 genetic variants in exon 29 evaluated in this study (rs17259045, rs41274768, rs17047660, rs17047661, rs4844609 and rs6691117) are of particular interest since all are non-synonymous variants ( https://www.ensembl.org ) that are situated at the binding site for C1q, ficolins and MBL having thereby potential to influence the complement induced phagocytosis 21 , 22 .…”

Pathophysiology of renal disease associated with liver disorders: Implications for liver transplantation. Part I

“…[153][154][155][156] Cirrhosis is associated with decreased complement levels (C3, C4, and total complement) caused by impaired hepatic production, as well as enhanced consumption. [157][158][159][160] Consumption is mediated through both the alternative and classical complement pathways. Endotoxin (microbial cell membrane) stimulates the alternative complement pathway.…”

“Complimenting the Complement”: Mechanistic Insights and Opportunities for Therapeutics in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

“…In contrast, soluble sCR1 levels are increased in liver cirrhosis, end-stage renal failure, and hematologic malignancies ( 232 ). In addition, increased levels of sCR1 have been found in patients with increasing grades of cirrhosis and decreased liver functions ( 233 ). Since sCR1 levels are elevated in these inflammatory conditions, it is envisaged to play important regulatory and anti-inflammatory roles and act as a potential therapeutic target.…”