Lower Serum Kindlin-2 Levels are Associated with Liver Cirrhosis: A Preliminary Study

Abstract Background Kindlin-2 is a focal adhesion protein responsible for the adhesion of cells to each other and to the extracellular matrix. This property affects processes such as fibrosis and invasion in the cell. Recently, kindlin-2 has also been reported to have important effects in fibrotic diseases. The aim of the present study that we wanted to determine the relation of Kindlin-2 levels with liver cirrhosis. Methods The study population consists of two groups: 48 individuals diagnosed with hepatic cirrhosis and control group of 40 individuals healty controls. Serum kindlin-2 levels were analysed by ELISA. Complete blood count parameters and liver function tests were analysed. ‘Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index’ (APRI) score was calculated as liver fibrosis indicator and ‘Model for end-stage liver disease’ (MELD-NA) was calculated as mortality score. Results Kindlin-2 levels were lower in the liver cirrhosis group (p < 0.001). An inverse relation of kindlin-2 was observed with ALT, AST, ALP, INR, platelet count and APRI score. We determined that there was an independent association of reduced kindlin-2 levels with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion In the current study, we found that lower serum kindlin-2 levels in patients with liver cirrhosis. We found a negative correlation between kindlin-2 levels and liver fibrosis markers and some liver function tests. These findings imply that low kindlin-2 levels are associated with liver cirrhosis and it may serve as a predictive biomarker for liver cirrhosis. The results of this study will be instructive for future studies investigating the role of kindlin-2 in liver cirrhosis.