CAJ | 학술논문

Objective To discuss the roles of serum interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and soluble interleukin-2R (sIL-2R) in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C and to observe the effects of interferon (IFN) on the above- mentioned serum cytokines. Methods The levels of above- mentioned cytokines were detected in 10 healthy individuals, 24 asymptomatic hepatitis virus C (HCV) carriers and 27 patients with chronic hepatitis C ( before and after IFN treatment) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The levels of the cytokines in patients with chronic hepatitis C are higher than in healthy people (P<0.05) and in asymptomatic HCV carriers(P<0.05). The values of the cytokines show a significant positive correlation to ALT (P<0.05). Levels of tested cytokines decreased observably after IFN treatment (P<0.05). The grades of the serum levels for sIL-2R and IL-10 before IFN treatment (from high to low) were categorized accordingly: non-response group＞ partial- response group ＞complete- response group (P<0.05). Conclusions The tested cytokines co-participate in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C, and can be used to evaluate the effect of IFN on the immune state of organisms. Furthermore, sIL-2R and IL-10 are important for predicting the anti-viral efficacy of IFN.