Serum levels of IL-1 beta and IL-6 in HCV infected patients as markers for liver disease progression

ABSTRACT

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