Soluble complement receptor type 1 (sCR1) in chronic liver diseases: serum levels at different stages of liver diseases.

SUMMARYComplement receptor type 1 (CR1) is an integral membrane protein of many haematopoietic cells and plays an important role in the clearance of complement-associated immune complexes, favouring their transport to liver and spleen macrophages. A small amount of soluble CR1 (sCR1) is also found in plasma and might originate directly from release of leucocytes and other circulating cells. In previous studies, an increase in serum sCR1 level has been observed in liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal failure. High levels have also been found in patients with some haematologic malignancies. sCR1 serum levels were measured using a specific double sandwich ELISA assay. The present study demonstr…