LOXL-2 and TNC-C are markers of liver fibrogenesis in HCV/HIV-, HIV- and HCV-infected patients

Biomark Med. 2022 Aug;16(11):839-846. doi: 10.2217/bmm-2021-0596. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Abstract

Background: Lysil oxidase like enzyme-2 (LOXL-2) and TNC-C play important roles in organ fibrosis. We assessed circulating LOXL-2 and TNC-C levels and their relationship to fibrosis severity in HIV- and/or HCV-infected individuals. Methods: Healthy controls (n = 22), HIV mono- (n = 15), HCV mono- (n = 52) and HCV/HIV-co-infected (n = 92) subjects were included. Results: LOXL-2 and TNC-C levels were significantly higher in HCV mono- and HCV/HIV-co-infected individuals with F0 compared to healthy controls. In addition, in HCV/HIV-co-infected individuals, LOXL-2 levels were higher in intermediate fibrosis compared to no/mild fibrosis. Conclusion: In HCV/HIV-co-infected study participants, both LOXL-2 and TNC-C were significantly higher in intermediate fibrosis compared to no/mild fibrosis, but did not further increase with advanced fibrosis. Furthermore, both markers were elevated among HCV/HIV-positive individuals with mild/no fibrosis.

Keywords: HIV infection; LOXL-2; TNC-C; antiretroviral therapy; hepatitis C virus infection; liver fibrosis; peginterferon and ribavirin therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Coinfection*
  • Fibrosis
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • Hepatitis C* / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers