Paolo Sacchi1, Serena Cima1, Marta Corbella1, Giuditta Comolli2, Antonella Chiesa3, Fausto Baldanti3, Catherine Klersy4, Stefano Novati1, Patrizia Mulatto1, Mara Mariconti1, Chiara Bazzocchi5, Massimo Puoti6, Laura Pagani7, Gaetano Filice1, Raffaele Bruno8. 1. Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. 2. Molecular and Virology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. 3. Molecular and Virology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. 4. Unit of Epidemiology and Biometry, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. 5. DIVET University of Milan, Italy. 6. Hospital Niguarda Ca'Granda, Milan, Italy. 7. Microbiology Institution, University of Pavia, Italy; Department of Paediatrics, University of Pavia, Italy. 8. Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Paediatrics, University of Pavia, Italy. Electronic address: raffaele.bruno@unipv.it.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis is accelerated in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C viruses. AIMS: We investigated the correlation between liver fibrosis, immune activation and microbial translocation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mono-infections, HIV/HCV co-infection, and healthy controls (20 subjects/group). Peripheral blood was analysed to determine the levels of Forkhead box 3 (Foxp3) T cells, TGF-β1, CD14 (soluble and surface isoforms), IL-17 and bacterial translocation products. These measurements were correlated to the severity of liver fibrosis, measured with the FIB-4 score and transient elastography. RESULTS: Foxp3T cell levels were significantly elevated in HIV mono-infected and co-infected groups (p<0.0005). FIB-4 and liver stiffness values inversely correlated with TGF-β1 (p=0.0155 and p=0.0498). Bacterial DNA differed significantly in the HIV-positive compared to the other groups: HIV/HCV co-infected subjects had significantly higher serum levels of bacterial translocation products, CD14, and IL-17 levels (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrosis stage in HIV/HCV co-infection may be influenced by immune activation due either by viral infections or to bacterial translocation.
BACKGROUND:Liver fibrosis is accelerated in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C viruses. AIMS: We investigated the correlation between liver fibrosis, immune activation and microbial translocation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) mono-infections, HIV/HCV co-infection, and healthy controls (20 subjects/group). Peripheral blood was analysed to determine the levels of Forkhead box 3 (Foxp3) T cells, TGF-β1, CD14 (soluble and surface isoforms), IL-17 and bacterial translocation products. These measurements were correlated to the severity of liver fibrosis, measured with the FIB-4 score and transient elastography. RESULTS: Foxp3T cell levels were significantly elevated in HIV mono-infected and co-infected groups (p<0.0005). FIB-4 and liver stiffness values inversely correlated with TGF-β1 (p=0.0155 and p=0.0498). Bacterial DNA differed significantly in the HIV-positive compared to the other groups: HIV/HCV co-infected subjects had significantly higher serum levels of bacterial translocation products, CD14, and IL-17 levels (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Fibrosis stage in HIV/HCV co-infection may be influenced by immune activation due either by viral infections or to bacterial translocation.
Authors: Saverio Giuseppe Parisi; Monica Basso; Carlo Mengoli; Renzo Scaggiante; Samantha Andreis; Marzia Maria Franzetti; Anna Maria Cattelan; Daniela Zago; Mario Cruciani; Massimo Andreoni; Sara Piovesan; Giorgio Palù; Alfredo Alberti Journal: Ann Gastroenterol Date: 2017-07-04