Blood concentrations of mediators released from activated neutrophils are related to the severity of alcohol-induced liver damage.

BACKGROUND

Immune dysregulation and neutrophil infiltration are hallmarks of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Our objective was to evaluate the blood profile of neutrophil-derived mediators [neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO), alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT)], and their potential relevance in ALD.

METHODS

62 patients with ALD /47 males, and 15 females, aged 49,2 ± 9,9/ were prospectively recruited and distributed according to their 1/ gender, 2/ severity of liver dysfunction (by Child-Turcotte-Pugh, MELD scores, and mDF) 3/ presence of complications of ALD complications, and followed for 90 days. 24 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as the control group. Neutrophil-derived biomarkers were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

RESULTS

Blood concentrations of MPO and NE were significantly higher in ALD patients in comparison with controls. A1AT levels were not different. There were no gender-related differences in the studied biomarker levels. Both NE and MPO correlated with routine markers of inflammation, while NE with MELD and mDF scores. Patients with a severe ALD course i.e. MELD>20 or mDF>32, presented with significantly higher NE blood concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results point out the critical role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of ALD. NE and MPO correlated with the intensity of inflammation, and NE was related to the severity of liver dysfunction.