cqvip:Background/Aims: The presence of antibodies to the 210- kDa glycoprotein of the nuclear pore complex (gp210) is highly indicative of primary biliary cirrhos is (PBC). However, the significance of anti- gp210 antibody titers for monitori ng PBC remains unresolved. Methods: We used an ELISA with a gp210 C- terminal p eptide as an antigen to assess serum antibody titers in 71 patients with PBC. Re sults: Patients were classified into three groups: Group A in whom anti- gp210 titers were sustained at a high level, Group B in whom anti- gp210 status chang ed from positive to negative under ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy, Group C in whom anti- gp210 antibodies were negative at the time of diagnosis. The rate of progression to end- stage hepatic failure was significantly higher in group A (60% ) as compared to groups B (0% ) and C (4.2% ). The sustained antibody response to gp210 was closely associated with the severity of interface hepatit is. The significance of anti- gp210 antibody was confirmed by National Hospital Organization Study Group for Liver Disease in Japan. Conclusions: The serial qu antitation of serum anti- gp210- C- terminal peptide antibodies is useful for monitoring the effect of UDCA and for the early identification of patients at h igh risk for end- stage hepatic failure.
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