Characterization of metalloproteinases, oxidative status and inflammation levels in the different stages of fibrosis in HCV patients

Objectives This study was aimed at searching noninvasive markers of the transition from mild to severe fibrosis stage in HCV patients undergoing hepatic fibrosis. Design and methods Thirty-three patients affected by chronic HCV vs. twenty healthy donors were evaluated for the serum levels of several circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), TRAIL and β-NGF by multiplex biometric ELISA based immunoassay and anti- and pro-oxidant status (d-ROMs, BAP and NO) using a Diacron automated method. Results HCV patients displayed increased expression levels of MMP-8, MMP-9, TRAIL and β-NGF, and an imbalance between pro- and antioxidant status, that contribute to liver fibrosis. Conclusions Since the determination of these parameters represents a reliable and easily applicable method, these parameters are suggested as serum surrogate markers for HCV patients in the routine clinical practice.