Serum 90K/MAC-2BP glycoprotein levels in hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis

90K/MAC-2BP glycoprotein is a serum tumour marker, member of the scavenger receptor cysteine rich (SRCR) protein superfamily, involved in different immunological mechanisms. In the present study, we determined 90K serum levels by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay using the same monoclonal antibody in 11 chronic active hepatitis (CAH), 48 liver cirrhosis and 36 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In comparison, the same samples were also tested for AFP. According to a cut-off point of 14 mu g/mL for the 90K, established as 100% of specificity in 50 controls, we observed increasing positivities from CAH to cirrhosis and then to HCC (27%, 50% and 78%, respectively). In cirrhotic patients 90K levels were associated with the presence of anti-HCV antibodies, but not with the degree of liver compromise. Finally, 90K sensitivity was higher than AIFP in all groups of hepatic patients. However, further investigations are needed before proposing 90K as a clinical useful tumour marker in the progression from cirrhosis to HCC.