Résumé
In this study, we aimed to characterize serum cytokine levels of interleukin-1 Beta [IL-1beta] and interleukin -6 [IL-6] in HCV infected patients and in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] in comparison to control group and their possible use as markers of disease progression. Sixty Patients were divided into three groups: Group I: included 20 HCV infected patients without cirrhotic changes. Group II: included 20 HCV infected patients with liver cirrhosis [LC]. Group III: included 20 HCV infected patients with HCC and 20 apparently healthy subjects as control group. All patients and control group were subjected to biochemical and serological tests, anti HCV, HCV [RT-PCR] and cytokines measurements of serum IL-1 beta and serum IL-6 levels. Showed a high statistically significant elevated serum IL-6 and IL-1 beta levels in patients with chronic HCV infection in comparison to control group. Highly statistically elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-1 beta in liver cirrhosis and higher levels were found in HCC group in comparison to control group. The levels of II-6 and IL-1 beta increased significantly in HCV infected patients as the disease progress. Serum IL-1 beta, and IL-6 levels are elevated in patients with hepatitis C-related liver diseases, especially in LC and HCC patients. Their levels reflect hepatic dysfunction better than liver inflammation parameters; accordingly, we may use serum IL 1 beta and IL-6 as markers for Liver disease progression in HCV-infected patients instead of invasive techniques