ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of Th1/Th2 cytokines and immune state on the occurrence and familial aggregation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods Ninety-five members whose families have had two or even more HCC patients(high-occurrence families) were selected as the case group,by matching with the same nationality,gender,residential area,age±5 years old,95 members whose families had no any cancer were selected as the control.The level of peripheral blood Th1 type cytokines such as interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin-2(IL-2) and Th2 type cytokines such as interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results There was a Th1/Th2 serum cytokine imbalance profile in members of HCC high-occurrence family.The levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly lower in members of HCC high-occurrence family than that of the controls.The levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were higher in members of HCC high-occurrence family than that of the controls.Conclusion There was a poor cellular immune state in members of HCC in the high-occurrence families.Th1 type cytokines was inhibited,and Th2 type cytokines was enhanced,so more susceptible to HBV chronic infection.It might be the mechanism of HCC occurrence and familial aggregation.