Immunoglobulin A and complement C4 are involved in the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective: To explore the relationship between immunoglobulin A (IgA), complement C4, and liver fibrosis (L.F.) progression (LFP) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of CHB patients who received liver biopsies. Relevant data, including demographics, clinical serum markers, and immunological results obtained during liver biopsies, were collected and analyzed to assess and verify the relationship between IgA, C4, and LFP. Results: This study included 1,938 CHB patients, of whom 132 received two liver biopsies (group 1). Thirty (22.7%) of these patients were diagnosed with LFP (increase in L.F. stage (Scheuer score F & GE; 1)). IgA (C-IgA) and C4 (C-C4) change values between the first and second biopsies were independent risk factors for LFP. IgA levels increased, and C4 levels decreased during the second liver puncture. The remaining 1,806 patients received one liver puncture (group 2). They were divided into the following subgroups: A (F < 1), B (1 < F < 3), and C (F > 3) to verify whether the same trend was observed by cross-sectional study. IgA levels were highest, and C4 levels were lowest in group C (IgA: C > B > A, p < 0.05; C4: C < B < A, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that serum IgA and C4 levels are independent risk factors for LFP that could serve as future targets for L.F. management and treatment.