[The transcription and expression of IL-18 gene in HBV infectors]

To evaluate the possible roles of interleukin 18 (IL-18) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 3 groups of HBV infectors (including 15 asymptomatic carriers, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis, 12 patients with fulminant hepatitis) and 10 blood donors (as normal controls) were analyzed. The transcription and expression of IL-18 in PBMC were assessed by semi-quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry.

(1) There were significant differences in the transcription and expression levels of IL-18 between each group of HBV infectors. Interestingly, it was highest in fulminant hepatitis group, and lowest in asymptomatic carrier group. However there was no significant difference between chronic hepatitis and normal controls. The severity of disease was accompanied with the elevation of IL-18 production. (2) The severity degree of liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis was ccompanied with the elevation of IL-18 production. (3) The transcription and expression of IL-18 in chronic hepatitis B correlated with serum ALT positively (r = 0.54, P < 0.01; r = 0.63, P < 0.01). (4) There was a positive correlation in transcription and expression of IL-18 in each group of HBV infectors (asymptomatic carrier r = 0.980, P < 0.001; chronic hepatitis r = 0.910, P < 0.001; fulminant hepatitis r = 0.975, P < 0.001).

IL-18 may take part in the host immunity against HBV,and relate to the inflammation degree of liver.