Changes in serum alpha1 antitrypsin, alpha1 acid glycoprotein and beta2 glycoprotein i in patients with malignant hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Serum α1 antitrypsin, α1 acid glycoprotein and β2 glycoprotein I concentrations were determined in 36 patients with malignant hepatocellularcarcinoma, 30 with cirrhosis and 35 with hepatitis by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. Serum α1 antitrypsin and α1 acid glycoprotein levels were significantly higher in patients with hepatocellularcarcinoma than in those with cirrhosis (p < 0.001) or hepatitis (p < 0.001). Elevated levels of α1 antitrypsin were found in 88.9% of patients with hepatoma compared to 23.3% of patients with cirrhosis and 28.6% of patients with hepatitis. Raised levels of α1 acid glycoprotein were also found in 80.6% of patients with hepatoma compared to 20% of patients with cirrhosis and in only 5.7% of patients with hepatitis. β2 glycoprotein I levels were similar in the three conditions and therefore not useful for differential diagnosis. In monitoring the progress of tumor growth α1 antitrypsin and α1 acid glycoprotein levels were found to increase during the growth phase. Measurements of these two glycoproteins are suggested for differential diagnosis of these liver diseases, as tumor markers for the detection of hepatocarcinoma, and for the monitoring of the progress during treatment. Cancer 43:596–604, 1979. Copyright © 1979 American Cancer Society