ABSTRACT
To study the factor of apoptotic signal [FAS] amid B-cell leukemia lymphoma [BCL-2] oncoprotein as markers of apoptosis in blood donors. The study included 121 voluntary blood donors attending the Blood Bank of El-Minia University Hospital. They were divided into three groups according to HCV antibodies and qualitative HCV-RNA PCR: Group I: HCV antibodies and RNA- PCR negative [n =40], Group II: HCV antibodies positive and- RNA- PCR positive without liver cirrhosis [n=70] and Group III: HCV antibodies positive and- RNA- PCR positive with liver cirrhosis [n=11]. Each subject was submitted for the following investigations: 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. FAS is significantly higher in group II and group III when compared with that in group I [P=0.0 for both]. On comparing group III with group II, also FAS is significantly higher in group III [P=0.021]. Significant positive correlation between FAS and both ALT, AST, and AFP was found [r =0.39, 0.47and 0.39 respectively and P = 0.0 for all] while there was significant negative correlation between FAS and both platelets and albumin [r= -0.52 and -0.46 respectively and P = 0.0 for both] in the total diseased group [group II + III]. BCL-2 is significantly higher in group II and group Ill when compared with that in group I [P=0.001 and 0.0 respectively]. On comparing group Ill with group II, also BCL-2 is significantly higher in group III [P= 0.0]. Significant positive correlation was found between BCL-2 and ALT, AST, and AFP [r= 0.29, 0.39and 0.41 respectively and P= 0.0 for all], while there was a significant negative correlation between BCL-2 and both platelets and albumin in the total diseased group [r= -0.53 and -0.41 respectively and P= 0.0 for both]. A significant positive correlation was found between FAS and BCL-2 in the diseased group [r=0.321 and p=0.007]. FAS and BCL-2 as an apoptotic markers play an important role in the pathogenesis and further outcome of chronic liver diseases