Stefin A and cathepsin B and L circulating serum levels in patients with malignant or non-malignant liver diseases: A preliminary report

Experimental and clinical studies have recently shown a significant correlation between increased activity levels of lysosomal proteinases Cathepsin B, L in tumor tissues and malignant progression. On the basis of these findings we have undertaken some preliminary studies to evaluate the clinical impact of these enzymes and their intracellular inhibitor Stefin A in patients with malignant and non malignant liver diseases. The serum levels of Cathepsin B, L and Stefin A resulted significantly increased (mean 7 folds) in patients with liver diseases as compared to healthy subjects . these findings suggest that Cathepsin B, Cathepsin L, and Stefin A serum levels may be potentially useful as prognostic parameters for the clinical and therapeutic management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and/or liver cirrhosis