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[Interleukin-1 production in patients with subacute and chronic opisthorchiasis]
Abstract:
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) production by peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied in 3 patients with the subacute and in 28 patients with the chronic stage of the disease. Monocyte culture was obtained by the H. R. Recalde method, IL-1 activity was evaluated by the S. B. Mizel modification of the classic LAF-ASSAY. In the subacute stage of the disease IL-1 activity was 3.3 fold lower that in healthy controls and lower than in the total group of patients with chronic opisthorchiasis (Kact. 0.64 +/- 0.09, 2.12 +/- 0.17, 1.83 +/- 0.11, respectively, p < 0.01, p < 0.01). In those with the syndrome of chronic gastroduodenitis IL-1 production was lower than in patients with the syndrome of cholepathy (Kact. 1.55 +/- 0.18 and 2.03 +/- 0.16, p < 0.01). Immediately after praziquantel therapy IL-1 production fell from Kact. 1.82 +/- 0.13 to 1.18 +/- 0.06 (p < 0.01), but 5-6 months later the production of the cytokine normalized in convalescents.
Insights
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) production is significantly reduced in opisthorchiasis patients. Praziquantel treatment normalizes IL-1 levels, indicating immune system recovery in chronic disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Opisthorchiasis, a parasitic liver fluke infection, can affect immune responses.
- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key cytokine involved in inflammation and immune regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Interleukin-1 (IL-1) production in patients with subacute and chronic opisthorchiasis.
- To assess the impact of praziquantel therapy on IL-1 levels in opisthorchiasis patients.
Main Methods:
- Monocyte culture using the H. R. Recalde method.
- IL-1 activity assessment via S. B. Mizel modification of the LAF-ASSAY.
- Comparison of IL-1 levels between patient groups and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- IL-1 production was significantly lower in subacute opisthorchiasis patients compared to healthy controls (Kact. 0.64 +/- 0.09 vs. 2.12 +/- 0.17).
- Chronic opisthorchiasis patients with gastroduodenitis showed lower IL-1 production than those with cholepathy.
- Praziquantel therapy reduced IL-1 production from Kact. 1.82 +/- 0.13 to 1.18 +/- 0.06, normalizing within 5-6 months.
Conclusions:
- Opisthorchiasis is associated with suppressed IL-1 production, particularly in the subacute stage.
- Praziquantel treatment effectively modulates IL-1 levels, suggesting restoration of immune function.
- IL-1 normalization post-treatment indicates recovery from opisthorchiasis-induced immune dysregulation.

