Endogenous antimicrobial peptides as markers of immune status
Keywords:
defensins, endogenous antimicrobial peptides, circulating immune complexesAbstract
The aim of this work was to study the role of endogenous peptides in toxification processes, as well as their relationship with the immune system indicators in the development of chronic viral hepatitis C. For this purpose, endotoxins and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LSP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, lymphocyte subpopulation was estimated by an indirect immunofluorescent reaction (NIFR) and whereas the reaction of rat monoclonal antibodies to lymphocytic antigens was determined. In connection with the data obtained, we consider it expedient to use the endotoxin determination method as an additional marker of the severity of liver damage in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C. It seems also possible to identify endotoxins, defensin, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein as markers of viral and bacterial infections.