Relationship between esophageal varices and plasma calcitonin gene related peptide in liver cirrhosis

Objective To investigate the relationship between esophageal varices and plasma calcitonin gene related peptide(CGRP) in liver cirrhosis. Methods CGRP was measured in plasma samples collected from 24 healthy controls and 61 liver cirrhosis patients. Results Plasma CGRP of cirrhotic patients[(119.21±35.62 )ng/L] was significantly higher than that of healthy controls[(79.47±18.83)ng/L],P 0.05.Comparisions of the levels of plasma CGRP among 3 groups of liver cirrhosis patients in different Child's grades were shown as follows: Child C Child B Child A.The concentration of CGRP varied positively with the diameter of portal vein(r=0.60,P 0.01).The concentration of plasma CGRP was markedly higher in liver cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices[(133.85±36.12)ng/L] than in those without esophageal varices[(89.20±31.67)ng/L] ,P 0.05.Increased concentration of CGRP, diameter of portal vein and Child's grade of liver function were independently correlated with the development of esophageal varices. Conclusion CGRP reflects the severity of liver cirrhosis which is one of the risk factors to develop esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis.