ABSTRACT
This study included 36 chronic liver disease [CLD] patients who suffered from viral hepatitis and / or schistosomiasis and 12 age and sex matched healthy individuals who represent the control group. The study aimed at clarifying the role of rhGM-CSF on the release of sICAM-1 and sCD14 from PBMNC. According to the severity of liver disease, patients were classified to Child A, B and C groups. All patients and controls were subjected to thorough history taking and clinical examination, a full routine laboratory investigation including hemogram, liver function tests and hepatitis markers. PB mononuclear cell culture was performed to all the study groups with and without the addition of rhGM-CSF to the culture media. Afterwards, slCAM-1 and sCDl4 were measured in culture supernatant fluid using ELISA technique, Levels of sICAM-1 in culture supernatants with and without addition of rhGM-CSF showed significant progressive increase with advancement of CLD which may reflect the increase ofsICAM-1 in sera of CLD patients with progression of the disease. As well, the addition of rhGM-CSF to PBMNC culture resulted in a significant reduction of sICAM-1 level in culture supernatants in control and patients groups in comparison to its level without the addition of rhGM-CSF. There was a significant progressive increase in sCD14 level with the advancement of the disease. The increase in sCD14 level with and without addition of rhGM-CSF was significant in all patients groups in comparison to the control group. As well, the addition of rhGM-CSF to culture media led to significant reduction of sCD14 concentration in supernatants in control group and in each of the patients groups in comparison to their levels without the addition of rhGM-CSF. It can be concluded that rhGM-CSF might be considered as one of the potential future tools against defective monocyte functions in CLDs. Using rhGM-CSF to improve monocyte functions will be associated with reduction of sICAM-1 and sCD14 levels which might be implicated or contribute to liver pathology