Complement 5a is an indicator of significant fibrosis and earlier cirrhosis in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus

Purpose To investigate the association between serum complement 5a (C5a) concentration and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in a large cohort of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods Five hundred and eight patients with chronic HBV infection undergoing liver biopsy were included. Serum concentrations of C5a was measured by Luminex screening system. Ishak histological system was obtained. Results C5a levels were negatively associated with liver fibrosis stages and significantly declined in patients with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis (P