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[Immune-regulating Th1- and Th2-cytokines in chronic infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses]

L S Priĭmiagi, V T Tefanova, T G Tallo

    Voprosy Virusologii
    |August 30, 2003
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study found elevated Th1 (interferon-gamma) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines in chronic viral hepatitis patients. Mixed hepatitis B and C infections showed significantly higher levels of these immune markers compared to controls and single infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Hepatology
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) involves persistent inflammation and liver damage.
    • Immune dysregulation, particularly involving T-helper (Th) cytokines, plays a crucial role in CVH pathogenesis and progression.
    • Understanding cytokine profiles can offer insights into disease etiology and severity.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To measure serum levels of Th1 (interferon-gamma [IFN], soluble IL-2 receptor [sIL-2r]) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.
    • To compare these cytokine levels based on disease etiology (hepatitis B, C, or mixed HBV+HCV).
    • To correlate cytokine levels with traditional infection markers and viremia.

    Main Methods:

    • Serum samples were collected from 33 CVH patients (classified by etiology) and 10 healthy controls.
    • Quantification of gamma-IFN, sIL-2r, and IL-10 levels using immunoassay techniques.
    • Statistical analysis to compare cytokine levels between patient groups and controls, and to assess correlations.

    Main Results:

    • Gamma-IFN levels were significantly higher in all CVH patient groups compared to controls, irrespective of etiology.
    • Patients with mixed HBV+HCV infection exhibited significantly elevated levels of gamma-IFN, sIL-2r, and IL-10 compared to controls.
    • A trend of increasing sIL-2r levels was observed from CVHB to mixed HBV+HCV groups.
    • IL-2r levels correlated with ALT activity, and gamma-IFN correlated with IL-10 concentration.

    Conclusions:

    • Elevated Th1 and Th2 cytokines are characteristic of chronic viral hepatitis, particularly in mixed infections.
    • Cytokine profiles may serve as indicators of disease activity and immune response in CVH.
    • Further research into cytokine modulation could inform therapeutic strategies for chronic viral hepatitis.

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