The polymorphic variant of SerpinB3 (SerpinB3-PD) is associated with faster cirrhosis decompensation.

Background: SerpinB3 is a cysteine protease inhibitor involved in liver disease progression due to its proinflammatory and profibrogenic properties. The polymorphic variant SerpinB3-PD (SB3-PD), presents a substitution in its reactive centre loop, determining the gain of function.

Aims: To disclose the clinical characteristics of a cohort of patients with cirrhosis in relation to the presence of SB3-PD and to assess the effect of this genetic variant on fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in vitro.

Squamous Cellular Carcinoma Antigen Serum Determination as a Biomarker of Barrett Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer: A Phase III Study.

Goal: To evaluate the potential role of the determination of the immunocomplexed form of squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA-immunoglobulin (Ig)M] for the screening of Barrett esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Background: The cost-effectiveness of surveillance in BE is still debated and the use of biomarkers in screening and surveillance still not recommended. No information is available regarding SCCA-IgM determination in BE.