Steroid treatment lowers hepatic fibroplasia, as explored by serum aminoterminal procollagen III peptide, in chronic liver disease

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Serum aminoterminal type III procollagen peptide (sPIIIP) was proposed as an index of hepatic fibroplasia. sPIIIP was retrospectively evaluated in 34 treated and 5 untreated patients affected by chronic active hepatitis with or without cirrhosis by an RIA [radioimmunoassay] test. Serum samples taken before and after 6 mo. of treatment were tested in all cases. In 15 of the treated and all untreated patients, 6-20 (median 13) sera, corresponding to a median follow-up of 43 mo. were studied. Before treatment, the sPIIIP median value was 18.6 ng/ml; after 6 mo. of treatment, it decreased to 13.6 ng/ml (P < 0.005). Follow-up sPIIIP levels were significantly lower in treated than in untreated patients (P < 0.05), at each interval considered, except for the last control (39 mo.). In 7 patients, treatment was discontinued: sPIIIP rose rapidly in 6; 4 of them were retreated; this was followed by a new decrease. In 4 patients, sPIIIP was tested weekly from the onset of the treatment; it reverted to normal values within the 1st wk in all cases, while GOT [aspartate transaminase] decreased later, sPIIIP is significantly and rapidly reduced by steriods. Steroid withdrawal is generally followed by a rebound, with a new decrease when treatment is restarted. Since sPIIIP is more rapidly lowered than GOT levels, steroids evidently can directly affect collagen metabolism.