Tissue inhibitor of matrix-metalloprotease-1 predicts risk of hepatic fibrosis in human Schistosoma japonicum infection

Valeria Fabre, Haiwei Wu, Sunthorn PondTor, Hannah Coutinho, Luz Acosta, Mario Jiz, Remigio Olveda, Ling Cheng, Eric S. White, Blanca Jarilla, Stephen T. McGarvey, Jennifer F. Friedman, Jonathan D. Kurtis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Schistosomes infect 200 million individuals annually and cause significant hepatic fibrosis in up to 20%. Little is known regarding the mechanisms of schistosome-associated hepatic fibrosis in humans, and few biomarkers for risk of fibrosis have been identified. Methods. We treated 611 Schistosoma japonicum-infected Filipinos with praziquantel (PZQ) and performed ultrasound to quantify hepatic fibrosis at baseline and 12 months after PZQ treatment. We developed a multiplexed assay (FibroPlex) that quantifies predictors and effect modifiers of fibrosis. We measured FibroPlex analytes produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with schistosome egg antigen 4 weeks after PZQ treatment and related these levels to risk of fibrosis 1 year after PZQ treatment. Results. After adjusting for potential confounders, including baseline grade of fibrosis, individuals with detectable tissue inhibitor of matrix-metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1) had a 3.5-fold greater risk of fibrosis 1 year after PZQ treatment, compared with individuals with undetectable levels (odds ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-8.43; P = .007). Discussion Because TIMP-1 inhibits most matrix metalloproteases, which are responsible for collagen degradation, these data suggest that schistosome-associated hepatic fibrosis results, in part, from excessive inhibition of collagen remodeling. These data further suggest that TIMP-1 is a promising biomarker for assessing risk of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis and, potentially, other infectious and noninfectious causes of liver disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)707-714
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume203
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2011
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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