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

Abstract

Background: Kindlin-2 is a focal adhesion protein involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. These functions influence cell behavior and processes such as fibrosis. Kindlin-2 has recently been reported to play important roles in fibrotic diseases. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between serum kindlin-2 levels and liver cirrhosis. Methods: The study included 48 individuals with liver cirrhosis and 40 healthy controls. Serum kindlin-2 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Complete blood count parameters and liver function tests were assessed. Liver fibrosis was evaluated using noninvasive indices, including the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index. Mortality risk was evaluated using the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) score. Results: Serum kindlin-2 levels were lower in the liver cirrhosis group (P = 0.014). Kindlin-2 levels were inversely associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) scores and positively associated with platelet count. Low kindlin-2 levels were independently associated with liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Low serum kindlin-2 levels were associated with liver cirrhosis. Correlations were observed between kindlin-2 levels and markers of liver fibrosis, as well as certain liver function tests. These findings may be a consequence of the cirrhosis process.