Characteristics of the cytokine profile and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C in respect to severity of morphological changes of the liver

Abstract

Aim. To study cytokine concentration in blood serum in spontaneous and NDV- and PGA stimulated production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and contents of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations when compared with severity of morphological changes of the liver in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C (CHB and CHC). Material and methods. A total of 37 patients entered the trial (13 with CHB and 24 with CHC). Concentrations of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6 in blood serum in spontaneous and NDV and PGA stimulated PBMC production, content of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD25, HLADR, CD20, CD38 subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined. Also, puncture biopsy of the liver by Mengini was made with subsequent estimation of the histological activity index by R. Knodell adapted to hepatitis B and C by K. Ishak. Results. Patients with CHB and CHC in minimal activity of the process and insignificant morphological changes in the liver demonstrated a significant fall of NDV induced IFN-alpha production. Patients with highly active hepatitis and maximal morphological changes in the liver had significant lowering of NDV induced production of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and PGA induced production of TNF-alpha. Conclusion. CHB and CHC patients should be examined not only with estimation of serum cytokines concentration but also NDV and PGA stimulated production of PBMC should be taken into consideration with calculation of immunoregulatory index for prognosis of the disease and choice of adequate therapy.

Keywords

• chronic viral hepatitis b and c
• index of histological activity
• stimulated cytokine production
• immune status