Wasmuth and colleagues addressed the fact that genetic factors affect the progression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection and they asked whether the Marburg I variant of FSAP (FSAP G511E allele) might play a role. Their findings suggest that the G511E variant is a risk locus for HCV-induced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The reason may be the reduced ability of FSAP-MI to down-regulate PDGF-mediated hepatic stellate proliferation (see Roderfeld et al. below, link). The authors conclude that FSAP G511E “… might be useful for risk stratification in patients with HCV-infection”.

Title:
The marburg I variant (G534E) of the factor VII-activating protease determines liver fibrosis in hepatitis C infection by reduced proteolysis of platelet-derived growth factor BB.

Authors and Source:
Wasmuth et al. Hepatology. 2009 Mar;49(3):775-780.