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Electron microscopic studies of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in chronic type C hepatitis treated with
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kagawa Medical School, Japan.
Abstract:
Electron microscopic studies of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in chronic type C hepatitis revealed several interesting structures after interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy. Fifteen of 20 patients were treated with IFN-alpha. Tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI) were observed in only one patient who did not receive therapy. In contrast, TRI were observed in 10 of 15 (66.7%) patients who underwent the therapy for 2 weeks to 6 months. Cylindric confronting cisternae (CCC) were identified in the cytoplasm of PBMC in 4 of 16 (25%) patients who underwent the therapy. CCC were found only after IFN-alpha therapy. The appearance of both TRI and CCC in the PBMC was significantly correlated to IFN-alpha therapy. Although there is little evidence about the morphogenesis of TRI and CCC, these structures may be a host response to IFN-alpha induced by hepatitis C virus infection.
Insights
Interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C induced novel cellular structures, tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI) and cylindric confronting cisternae (CCC), in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These findings suggest a potential host response to the treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impacts the immune system.
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is a therapeutic agent used for hepatitis C.
- The cellular effects of IFN-alpha therapy on immune cells are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- To determine the correlation between these changes and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to examine PBMC from patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- Patients were categorized based on whether they received IFN-alpha therapy.
Main Results:
- Tubuloreticular inclusions (TRI) were observed in 66.7% of patients treated with IFN-alpha, compared to only one untreated patient.
- Cylindric confronting cisternae (CCC) were identified in 25% of patients receiving IFN-alpha therapy, and not in untreated patients.
- The presence of both TRI and CCC was significantly correlated with IFN-alpha therapy.
Conclusions:
- IFN-alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis C induces specific ultrastructural changes in PBMC, namely TRI and CCC.
- These observed structures may represent a host response to IFN-alpha treatment in the context of HCV infection.
- Further research into the morphogenesis of TRI and CCC is warranted.