Tumor necrosis factor [TNF] in children with chronic liver diseases

TNF-alpha is a cytokine produced from monocytes and macrophages and has multiple biological activities. Serum TNF levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 11 children with chronic liver diseases. TNF level was significantly increased in children with chronic liver diseases when compared with reference group [10 healthy children]. There was a significant positive correlation between TNF and liver enzymes [AST and ALT] and a significant negative one between TNF and Hb% and red cell count. TNF production may be related to hepatitis activity or viral replication. Elevations of TNF may contribute in a degree to bone marrow depression in those patients