Serum levels of some proteinase inhibitors in non-malignant and malignant liver diseases

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin [alpha-2-M] and alpha-I-antitrypsin [alpha I AT] in non malignant and malignant liver diseases to be used as a biochemical marker of malignant transformation as well as to detect the degree of malignancy. Alpha-2-macroglobulin and alpha-I- antitrypsin levels were measured in serum by single radial immunodiffusion plates. The study showed a significant increase in alpha-I AT in non malignant liver diseases group, primary untreated liver cancer group and advanced liver cancer group when compared with that of the control group. Alpha-2 M showed a high significant increase only in advanced liver carcinoma with insignificant changes in other groups