ABSTRACT
The plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] activity was investigated in chronic hepatitis C in relation to disease severity and some associated metabolic changes. The study included 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C compared to 30 control subjects. Disease severity was assessed using prothrombin time and serum albumin as parameters. Plasma plasminogen, PAI-1 and tissue plasminogen activator PAI-1 complex were determined, as well as serum lipid parameters and blood glucose level. We found decrease in PAI-1 activity, reflected by complex, more expressed in severe cases, with inadequate rise of PAI-1 level, associated with decreased VLDL, raised cholesterol and triglycerides and insignificant correlation to blood glucose level. We conclude that apart from its fibrinolysis-related role in chronic liver disease, PAI-1 activity is altered in chronic hepatitis C, resulting from chronic inflammation and associated lipid disturbances. This alteration contributes to the progression of the disease and its complications. Therapy directed at regulation of hepatic stellate cell function and control of lipid metabolism needs detailed investigation in order to regulate PAI-1 activity