Studies on circulating immune complexes of the liver diseases. 5. Anti-DNA antibodies and C1q binding activity.

Anti-dsDNA and anti-ssDNA antibodies, rheumatoid factors, HBsAg and C1q binding activity were determined in sera of patients with various liver diseases. Anti-dsDNA were only slightly increased in chronic aggressive hepatitis, activity severe and liver cirrhosis. A moderate elevation of anti-dsDNA was detected in possible lupoid hepatitis and it was highly increased in lupoid hepatitis as well as systemic lupus erythematosus. Non-specific elevation of anti-ssDNA titers were observed in all of the liver disease groups. In patients with increased anti-dsDNA titers, C1q binding activity and titers for rheumatoid factor and HBsAg tended to increase. According to reactivity of their sera to DNA, patients with liver disease could be divided in 4 groups: 1. high responders to dsDNA (lupoid hepatitis), 2. moderate responders to dsDNA (possible lupoid hepatitis or lupoid-like liver disease), 3. low responders (only positive for ssDNA), and 4. non-responders.