Decreased of BAFF-R expression and B cells maturation in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Apichaya Khlaiphuengsin, Natthaya Chuaypen, Pimpayao Sodsai, Supranee Buranapraditkun, Tadech Boonpiyathad, Nattiya Hirankarn, Pisit Tangkijvanich
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has indicated the role of B cells and B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIM: To characterize circulating BAFF receptor expression and B cell subpopulations in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples collected from 41 patients with chronic HBV infection (25 patients without HCC and 16 patients with HCC) and 9 healthy controls were assessed for BAFF receptors [BAFF-R(B cell-activating factor receptor), transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor, B-cell maturation antigen] and B cell subpopulations by multicolor flow cytometry. RESULTS: = 0.014, respectively). However, the ratio of naïve and transitional B cell did not differ significantly between the three groups. In addition, decreased BAFF-R expression on B cells was significantly correlated with large tumor size and advanced tumor stage. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated BAFF-R expression was reduced in B cells that involved with the frequencies of B cells maturation in patients with HCC. The depletion of BAFF-R might play an important role in the development of HCC in patients with chronic HBV infection.