Document Type : Original articles
Authors
1
Zoology, Faculty of science, Damietta university, Damietta, Egypt.
2
Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University
3
Professor of Molecular Biology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damietta University
4
Zoology department, faculty of science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
5
Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a degenerative process characterized by hepatic dysfunction and systemic alterations. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a member of the TGF-β protein family group, has been implicated in cellular survival and tissue response to injury. The current study aimed to assess the serum levels of GDNF in patients with CLD and versus healthy individuals, along with assessing related biochemical and hematological parameters. Methods: The study included 82 participants: 63 patients with CLD and 19 healthy controls. Serum GDNF levels were measured, along with liver and kidney function tests and complete blood counts. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare results across the two categories. Results: Levels of GDNF were markedly higher in the CLD group (median: 2.51 ng/ml) compared to the control group (median: 1.75 ng/ml, P = 0.001). CLD patients showed significant variations in liver function tests, consisting of elevated bilirubin, AST, GGT, and INR, and decreased albumin. Hematological findings revealed lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC counts, alongside increased RDW and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Platelet indices showed reduced counts and altered morphology. Conclusion: The increased GDNF levels in CLD patients suggest a potential role as a non-invasive biomarker. Significant biochemical and hematological alterations further highlight the systemic impact of CLD. These findings support the need for further research into the diagnostic and prognostic utility of GDNF in liver disease.
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