Seeking markers to distinguish HCV-infected-autoimmune subjects from uninfected-autoimmune patients

Abstract

Introduction — Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is reported to be associated with autoimmune manifestations. Aim — There is a need for markers that enable differentiation between viral and non-infected-autoimmune patients. Material and Methods — Levels of the B-cell activation factor (BAFF), IL6, IL10 and TNF-α were quantified by ELISA in sera from HCV-infected-autoimmune patients (HCV-AI), HCV-infected patients with no autoimmune diseases (HCV-NAI), non-infected autoimmune patients (NIAI) and healthy control humans (C). Results — HCV-infected patients were 12.96, 8.33, 69.44 and 36.11% positive for the auto-antibodies ANA, AMA, ASMA and AGPCA respectively. The BAFF level was significantly (P<0.05) higher among the NI-AI patients compared to the HCV-NAI, HCV-AI patients and healthy control humans (C). For the IL6, no significant differences were seen between various patients’ groups. In case of the IL10, its, levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the HCV-AI, NI-AI and HCV-NAI patients in comparison to the C humans. Levels of TNF-α were significantly (P<0.001 and 0.0001) higher amongst the HCV-NAI and HCV-AI than in the NI-AI patients respectively. Also, levels of the TNF-α were significantly (P<0.0001) higher amongst the C compared to the NI-AI. Levels of TNF-α were not significant amongst the HCV-NAI and HCV-AI patients than in C subjects. Conclusion — The obtained results showed that both IL6 and BAFF can serve as markers for autoimmunity and/or autoimmunity resulting from severe HCV infection, whereas, IL10 and TNF-α can be considered as markers for HCV infection in Egypt (genotype is mostly 4a).