Increased peripheral mononuclear cells expression of adhesion molecules in alcoholic cirrhosis: Its relation to immune activation

Background/Aims: Cell adhesion phenomena are relevant in the immune mechanisms leading to organ damage in various diseases, Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis present with immune alterations that include findings of immunodeficiency and indications of an activated immune response. Methods: In 37 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis we have determined the expression of surface antigens and adhesion molecules on peripheral lymphocytes and monocytes, serum levels of immunoglobulins, circulating cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 beta, serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule and neopterin. Results: In patients, we found an increased expression of several adhesion molecules ICAM-1, LFA-3 and MAC-1 in lymphocytes, LFA-3 in monocytes and surface activation markers CD71 and DR in lymphocytes, as well as increased concentrations of the serum parameters measured: IgA, IgG, IgM, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble ICAM-1 and neopterin, in comparison with controls. Conclusions: The enhancement of the adhesion phenomena in circulating mononuclear cells of patients with cirrhosis correlates to the severity of the disease and is related to other parameters of immune activation.