Constant serum levels of secreted asialoglycoprotein receptor sH2a and decrease with cirrhosis

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the existence and levels of sH2a, a soluble secreted form of the asialoglycoprotein receptor in human serum.METHODS: Production of recombinant sH2a and development of a monoclonal antibody and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This assay was used to determine the presence and concentration of sH2a in human sera of individuals of both sexes and a wide range of ages.RESULTS: The recombinant protein was produced successfully and a specifc ELISA assay was developed. The levels of sH2a in sera from 62 healthy individuals variedCONCLUSION: Constant sH2a levels suggest constitutive secretion from hepatocytes in healthy individuals. This constant level and the decrease with cirrhosis suggest a diagnostic potential. © 2011 Baishideng. All rights reserved.