ABSTRACT
The objective to evaluate the factor of apoptotic signal [FAS] and B-cell leukemia lymphoma [BCL-2] oncoprotein as markers of apoptosis in children with chronic hepatitis C . The study included 100 children with chronic hepatitis C, divided into three groups. Group I [control, n =20] HCVantibodies and RNA-PCR negative, Group II; [n=60] HCVantibodies positive and HCV- RNA positive without liver cirrhosis and Group III; [n=20] HCVantibodies positive and HCV-RNA positive with liver cirrhosis
Blood samples were subjected to: Complete blood count, liver function tests, alpha fetoprotein assay by ELISA method, FAS [CD95] antigen, and intracellular BCL-2 oncoprotein on lymphocytes by flow cytometry
The Results showed that FAS was significantly higher in group II and group III as compared to group I [P=0.0 for both]. FAS was significantly higher in group III than group II [P=0.021]. Positive correlation between FAS and ALT, AST, and AFP was found [r =0.39, 0.47 and 0.39, respectively, P = 0.0 for all]. Combining groups II and III, negative correlations between FAS and platelets and albumin [r= -0.52 and -0.46, respectively, P = 0.0 for both]. BCL-2 was significantly higher in group II and group III as compared to group I [P=0.001 and 0.0, respectively]. BCL-2 was higher in group III than group II [P= 0.0]. BCL-2 was positively correlated to ALT, AST, and AFP [r= 0.29, 0.39 and 0.41, respectively, P= 0.0 for all]. BCL-2 was negatively correlated to platelets and albumin in the combined diseased group [r= -0.53 and -0.41 respectively and P= 0.0 for both]. A positive correlation was found between FAS and BCL-2 in the diseased group [r=0.321 and p=0.007]
In Conclusion: FAS and BCL-2 as an apoptotic markers play an important role in the pathogenesis and further outcome of chronic liver diseases