Urine and plasma samples from (100) patients with various liver
diseases (hepatocellular carcinoma (HOC), liver cirrhosis, periportal
fibrosis, acute viral hepatitis, fatty liver) and from (25) healthy
individuals were collected and the proteins were separated by
sodium Dodecy1 Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDSPAGE),
according to their molecular weights. These proteins were
transferred on nitrocellulose paper and reacted against monoclonal
anti-human fibronectin (FN) where a band of an apparent molecular
weight of 155 Kilodalton (KDa) appeared. The results showed a
sharp band in case of urine and plasma samples of patients with liver
diseases at 155 KDa. There was no band in case of urine and
plasma samples of healthy individuals. Also plasma FN was
determined by ELISA technique, and showed a significant increase in
the various liver diseases studied when compared to the control
group (P<0.001). This may be due to increase in the number or the
ability of the cells capable of fibronectin production and/or decreased
consumption of fibronectin in various liver diseases. The sensitivity
of Slott - Blot (SB - ELISA) for detection of fibronectin in urine is more
than the sensitivity of ELISA for its detection in plasma. So
fibronectin (FN) in urine can be used as a marker for liver diseases. |
