Expression of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines responding to HBsAg and HBxAg in chronic hepatitis B patients
Journal of Korean Medical Science
;
: 175-181, 1999.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-149193
ABSTRACT
The cytokine pattern on viral antigen recognition is believed to exert a profound influence on the resolution of viral infections and viral clearance. This study was initiated to investigate whether a cytokine imbalance oriented toward Th2 type response plays a role in chronic hepatitis B. Cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells associated with chronic hepatitis B were analysed by RT-PCR. Upon HBsAg stimulation, expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 was detected in 41%, 8%, 41%, and 50% of the patients, respectively. Among these cytokines, the expression of IFN-gamma was associated with high levels of serum AST/ALT. However, we could not prove that Th2 type cytokines had a protective effect on hepatocytes. Upon HBxAg stimulation, there was no recognizable association of cytokine patterns with AST/ALT levels. In conclusion, production of a Th1 cytokine, IFN-gamma, by HBsAg-reactive cells was associated with hepatocyte damage in chronic hepatitis B, while no counteracting effect of Th2 cytokines produced by those cells was observed.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Recombinant Fusion Proteins
/
Leukocytes, Mononuclear
/
Trans-Activators
/
Cytokines
/
Interferon-gamma
/
Th2 Cells
/
Th1 Cells
/
Hepatitis B, Chronic
/
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
/
Liver
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Korean Medical Science
Year:
1999
Type:
Article
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