Specific features of lymphoid infiltration in liver biopsy in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C

Abstract

Aim. To study characteristics of leukocytic infiltration of the liver in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C (CVHB and CVHC) with consideration of hepatitis activity and fibrosis severity. Material and methods. The examination of 37 patients with CVHB (n = 13) and CVHC (n = 24) included liver puncture biopsy by Mengini, subsequent histological and morphological investigation of liver biopsy with immunohisto- and immunocytochemistry. Results. In CVHB and CVHC patients leukocytic infiltrates (LI) of the liver present primarily with T-lymphocytes (CD3+), NKT cells (CD3+CD16+CD56+), NK cells (CD16+CD56+), T-regulatory lymphocytes (CD4+CD25+), cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+). Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+) and NK cells (CD16+CD56+) detected in hepatic LI of patients with chronic viral hepatitis are similar in composition with cells in hepatic tissue infiltrates in autoimmune hepatitis. We are the first to detect the complex of T-regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+)in hepatic parenchyma of these patients. This complex suppresses cellular immune response in virus elimination and damaged tissues and supports development of persistent viral infection with autoimmune component. Conclusion. The complex of T-regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+) isolated in hepatic LI evidences for existence of a morphofunctional base for autoimmune manifestations in the presence of persistent viral infection.

Keywords

• chronic viral hepatitis b and c
• histological activity index
• autoimmune manifestations