ABSTRACT
Interleukin 8 and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor were evaluated in 61 patients suffering from chronic active hepatitis [CAH] and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]. They were classified into 5 groups: group I [HBV], group II [HCV], group III [mixed HBV and HCV], group IV [HCC with HCV], and group V [HCC negative for HBV and HCV]. Another 10 apparently healthy subjects were also evaluated for the same parameters [control group or group VI]. All groups were also assessed for HBsAg, HCV Ab, liver function tests [AST, ALT, T. bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase]. The study showed a significant increase in IL 8, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase in all groups as compared with control group, a significant increase in T. bilirubin in groups I, II and III and a non significant difference in GM CSF in all groups as compared to control group. Also, IL 8 was undetectable in control group. There were significant correlations between IL 8 and T.bilirubin and liver enzymes. Also, there were significant correlations between GM CSF and T.bilirubin and liver enzymes except ALT which showed non significant correlation.We concluded that IL 8 and GM CSF may reflect the degree of liver injury as well as the immune response in chronic viral hepatitis especially HCV but its role in progression to hepatocellular carcinoma was not proven