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Cytokine serum levels in patients with chronic HCV infection
Nick E Spanakis1, George A Garinis, Evangelos C Alexopoulos
1Medicanalysis Institute of Molecular Biology Applications, Athens, Greece. Valisdial@hol.gr
Insights
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection involves immune-mediated mechanisms, with distinct cytokine profiles observed in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Both Th1 and Th2 responses are linked to HCV infection, and long-term HD impacts specific cytokine levels.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- The role of immune mechanisms in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear.
- Cytokine expression profiles may differ between hemodialysis (HD) patients and non-HD patients with HCV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare cytokine expression profiles in hemodialysis (HD) and non-HD patients with chronic HCV infection.
- To elucidate the pathogenic role of immune-mediated mechanisms in chronic HCV infection.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1) and liver parameters were measured in 85 individuals (41 HD, 44 non-HD).
- HCV RNA and anti-HCV antibodies were detected using RT-PCR, ELISA, and RIBA methods.
Main Results:
- Decreased IL-4 and IL-1beta serum levels were observed in non-HD HCV carriers compared to healthy controls.
- Both Th1 and Th2 responses, indicated by increased IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6, were associated with chronic HCV infection.
- HD patients showed an enhanced Th2 response with increased TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, while long-term HD affected IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha levels.
Conclusions:
- Virus-induced Th2 and IL-1beta immunosuppression appears to be an early event in HCV chronicity.
- Long-term hemodialysis has a specific chronic impact on IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha serum levels.
- Both Th1 and Th2 responses are significantly associated with chronic HCV infection, regardless of HD status or viremia.
Abstract:
The pathogenic role of immune-mediated mechanisms in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we report different cytokine expression profiles from hemodialysis (HD) and non-HD HCV (+) patients. IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and TGF-beta1 serum levels, and liver biochemical parameters were determined in 85 individuals (41 HD patients and 44 non-HD patients). Screening for HCV RNA and anti-HCV antibodies was performed using qualitative and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) methods, respectively. IL-4 and IL-1beta demonstrated decreased serum levels in non-HD HCV carriers compared with healthy controls. Both T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 lymphocytes were highly associated with chronic HCV infection, as indicated by the increased IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 cytokine circulating levels in all chronic active hepatitis (CAH) patients examined. An enhanced Th2 response (IL-4 and IL-6) coupled with increased TNF-alpha and IL-1beta serum levels was reported in HD HCV (-) patients. In conclusion, our data show that a virus-induced Th2 and IL-1beta immunosuppression is an early event in HCV-related chronicity. Long-term HD specifically exerts a chronic effect on IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha serum circulating levels. Irrespective of the HD status, HCV viremia, and liver biochemistry parameters, both Th1 and Th2 responses are highly associated with chronic HCV infection.