Metabolic activity of neutrophils in patients suffering from chronic viral hepatitis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional state of peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with chronic active viral hepatitis. Twenty-six patients with HBV, HCV or CMV in different clinical status were included in the analysis. In the study, the number of leukocytes and neutrophils was determined. The metabolic activity of neutrophils was examined in NBT reduction tests i.e. spontaneous (NBTsp) test and the one stimulated with LPS E. coli (NBTst). The results were analysed in relation to disease advancement and the type of viral infection. The data obtained from the affected patients were compared with the results from 46 healthy subjects. Most patients displayed neutropenia. It was found that the number of NBT positive cells and the coefficient of neutrophil metabolic activity (CNMA) in NBT sp test were highly significantly increased. The majority of patients had reduced values in NBTst test, which suggested lack of response to LPS E. coli by neutrophils. These findings may reflect the state of inflammation in the body. NBT reduction tests may be useful in monitoring metabolic activity of neutrophils in patients with chronic active viral hepatitis.