Urotensin II as a novel marker for portal hypertension and bleeding varices: an Egyptian survey

Background and aim: Urotensin II (U-II), a somatostatin-like cyclic peptide, was recently identified as the most potent human vasoconstrictor peptide. We investigated whether serum U-II could be considered a marker for portal hypertension (PHT) and its complications in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. Patients and methods: After clinical, ultrasonographic, and endoscopic assessments and exclusion of patients with hypertension or diabetes and cardiac or renal comorbidities, 75 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis were classified into three equal groups. Group A included 25 patients with PHT presenting with bleeding esophageal varices (EV). Group B included 25 patients with PHT with no history of bleeding EV. Group C included 25 patients without PHT or EV. In addition, 25 apparently healthy volunteers were included as controls (group D). All participants were investigated for liver tests, Child–Pugh scoring, and serum U-II. Results: Serum U-II was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients with PHT with and without bleeding EV compared with the other groups; also, it correlated with the severity of liver disease (P
Source: Egyptian Liver Journal - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original articles Source Type: research