The Mechanisms of Hyperglobulinemia in Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Serum antibodies to Escherichia coli (E.coli) were examined in patients with acute viral hepatitis, chronic persistent hepatitis, chronic active heptitis and liver cirrhosis. Sera from cirrhotic patients showed a significantly higher incidence of positive E. coli antibodies, compared to that in other types of liver diseases. The cirrhotic patients positive for serum E. coli antibodies had higher levels of serum gammaglobulin and immunoglobulin A than those negative for the antibodies. Serum immunoglobulin G was also higher, although not statistically significant, in the cirrhotic patients with E.coli antibodies. There was a good correlation between ICG 15 minute serum retentions and serum levels of gammaglobulin, IgG or IgA in cirrhotic patients. These results are compatible with the concept that in cirrhotic patients the capacity of the liver to degrade gut-derived antigens is reduced due to deranged microcirculation in the cirrhotic liver, resulting in increased release of these antigens into systemic circulation and their redistribution to antibody-forming organs such as the spleen. An enhanced antibody response to these antigens may contribute to hyperglobulinemia in liver cirrhosis. © 1980, The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology. All rights reserved.