SIX1/EYA1 are novel liver damage biomarkers in chronic hepatitis B and other liver diseases

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of SIX1/ EYA1 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and other liver diseases. Materials and methods: Both SIX1 and EYA1 levels were detected in human serum and liver tissues by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescent staining, respectively. Results: Serum SIX1 and EYA1 levels were 7.24±0.11 ng/ml and 25.21±0.51 ng/ml, respectively, in 313 CHB patients, and these values were significantly higher than those in 33 healthy controls (2.84±0.15ng/ml and 13.11±1.01ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). Serum SIX1 and EYA1 were also significantly increased in patients with many other liver diseases including liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, fulminant hepatic failure, autoimmune liver disease, and hepatitis C relative to healthy controls ( P < 0.05). Dynamic observation of these proteins over time in 35 selected CHB patients revealed that SIX1 and EYA1 serum levels increased over an interval. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that both SIX1 and EYA1 were only expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and their increased expression was evident in CHB liver tissue. Conclusion: Both SIX1 and EYA1 are novel biomarkers of liver damage in CHB and other liver diseases, with potential clinical utility.