Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Hyaluronan for Detecting HCV Infection and Liver Fibrosis in Asymptomatic Blood Donors

Author(s):Show less -

Rodart, Itatiana F. ^[1] ; Pares, Madalena M. ^[2] ; Mendes, Aline ^[1] ; Accardo, Camila M. ^[1] ; Martins, Joao R. M. ^[1] ; Silva, Cleidenice B. ; Carvalho, Fabricio O. ^[2] ; Barreto, Jose A. ^[2] ; Reis, Mitermayer G. ^{[2, 3]} ; Tersariol, Ivarne L. S. ^[1] ; Nader, Helena B. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Bioquim, BR-04021001 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Associacao Beneficente Coleta Sangue COLSAN, BR-04038000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Ctr Pesquisas Goncalo Muniz, Lab Hepatites Virais, BR-40296710 Salvador, BA - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Molecules; v. 26, n. 13 JUL 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background: The disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is asymptomatic, silent, and progressive liver disease. In HCV-infected patients the increase in serum HA is associated with the development of hepatic fibrosis and disease progression. Methods: HCV-RNA detection was performed in all serological samples of blood donors that tested positive using HCV Ultra ELISA. Determination of hyaluronan (HA) was performed in positive HCV samples using ELISA-like fluorometric method. The HA content was compared to HCV viral load, genotype of the virus, liver fibrosis as well as ALT and GGT liver biomarkers. Results: Persistently normal ALT (<40 U/L) and GGT (<50 U/L) serum levels were detected in 75% and 69% of the HCV-Infected blood donors, respectively. Based on ROC analysis, the HA value < 34.2 ng/mL is an optimal cut-off point to exclude HCV viremia (specificity = 91%, NPV = 99%). Applying HA value >= 34.2 ng/mL significant liver fibrosis (>= F2) can be estimated in 46% of the HCV-infected blood donors. HA serum level (>= 34.2 ng/mL) associated with a high ALT level (>40 U/mL) can correctly identify HCV infection and probable liver fibrosis (sensitivity = 96% and specificity = 90%) in asymptomatic blood donors. Conclusions: A high level of HA (>= 34.2 ng/mL) in association with ALT (>= 40 U/L) in serum can provide a good clinical opportunity to detect HCV-infected asymptomatic persons that potentially require a liver biopsy confirmation and antiviral treatment to prevent the development of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/03964-6 - Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans: interplay between structure and function
• Grantee: Helena Bonciani Nader
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants