Anti-GOR antibodies, HCV, liver disease and cryoglobulinemia

Objective. We investigated the presence of anti-GOR antibodies in patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, since both autoimmune pathogenetic processes and a high prevalence of HCV infection are present in this syndrome. Methods. We compared these cases to patients with HCV-related chronic active hepatitis or alcoholism, and to exblood donors. A total of 60 patients with biopsy-proven chronic liver disease were studied. Results. HCV related markers, cryoglobulins, anti-GOR antibodies and ANA were detected in all of the groups. Conclusion. Our data would appear to indicate that anti-GOR are related to the presence of HCV chronic hepatitis and not to cryoglobulinemia or chronic liver damage.