Elevated urine neopterin levels in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to relate urine levels of neopterin, a marker of activation of the cellular immune system, with grading and staging of NASH. Design and methods: Urine concentrations of neopterin, routine tests, insulin and C-peptide levels were assessed in 50 patients with NASH, 25 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), and in 26 healthy controls. Results: Urine neopterin levels were found elevated in the NASH and CVH groups compared with controls. There was no significant correlation between urine neopterin levels and inflammation grade in the liver. Conclusions: Urine neopterin levels are a marker of cellular immunity and are higher in patients with NASH. However, neopterin levels were not significantly associated with histopathological grade and stage of disease. (C) 2004 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.