Macrophage Activation, Assessed by Macrophage Markers Soluble CD163 and Soluble CD206, as Indication of Early Liver Cell Damage in Paracetamol Overdose

Paracetamol (PCM) is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic, and overdose with PCM is a condition regularly seen in everyday clinical practice. Identification of the patients with early signs of liver injury that may develop into acute liver failure is important. Previous research has shown that macrophages play a role in the development of liver damage in PCM-induced acute liver failure, making macrophage markers interesting possible biomarkers of this condition. In the present study, the investigators aimed to investigate the extent and timing of macrophage activation in PCM-induced liver injury by measuring levels of macrophage markers sCD163 and sCD206 in patients admitted with PCM overdose. The investigators also hoped to find out whether these markers are valuable as prognostic markers of severe outcome in these patients.

Furthermore the investigators examined the possible effect of antidote treatment with N-acetylcysteine on activation and function of macrophages by administering NAC to healthy subjects and measuring levels of sCD163 and sCD206 prior to and after completion of treatment.