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Published on: May 29, 2020
[Immune parameters in patients with chronic hepatitis C and with various histologic changes]
Insights
In chronic hepatitis C (CHC), higher histological activity and fibrosis correlate with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha). Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels were associated with milder liver disease and higher interferon-alpha.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the interplay between immune response and liver pathology in CHC is crucial for effective management.
- Cytokine profiles offer insights into disease activity and progression.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between serum cytokine levels and the histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis in patients with CHC.
- To identify specific cytokines associated with different degrees of liver inflammation and damage.
Summary:
- This study analyzed serum levels of cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in 22 CHC patients.
- Higher HAI and severe fibrosis were linked to elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha).
- Interleukin-4 (IL-4) showed an inverse correlation with disease severity, being higher in milder cases and associated with interferon-alpha.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the potential of serum cytokines as biomarkers for assessing CHC activity and progression.
- This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the immune mechanisms driving liver damage in CHC.
- Results may inform the development of targeted immunomodulatory therapies for CHC.
Abstract:
Levels of cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF) were studied in 22 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) under different value of histological activity index (HAI). Cytokines were measured in peripheral blood by enzyme immunoassay using kits produced by Proteinovy Kontur (St-Petersburg). Morphological examination of hepatic biopsies was made with estimation of HAI by R. Knodell and fibrosis degree by V. Desmet. CHC patients with a high HAI were found to have higher levels of gamma-globulines and gamma-GTP. No significant correlation was revealed between HAI and content of transaminases. CHC patients with definite inflammatory infiltration of the portal tracts, intralobular degeneration, hepatic necrosis had higher indices of proinflammatory mediators of immune response IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. In severe hepatic fibrosis there were higher values of IL-1, IL-2, IL-6. IL-4 was higher in patients with weak inflammatory infiltration, intralobular degeneration, lobular necrosis, mild fibros. The latter was associated with high interferon-alpha. Thus, serum cytokines concentrations and morphological changes in the liver correlate.
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