ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Shuganlipi decoction on Th1/Th2 cytokines, liver function and HBV replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-six confirmed CHB cases were randomly divided into control group (n=42) and experimental group (n=44) for treatment with routine western medication and additional treatment with Shuganlipi decoction, respectively. The production of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and liver function, HBV DNA, and HBeAg were detected in all the patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total response rate to the treatment was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (78.13% vs 57.14%, P<0.01). ALT, AST, TBIL and ALB were all improved obviously in the two groups after the treatments (P<0.01). In terms of ALT and ALB, the experimental group showed more obvious improvement than the control group(P<0.05). The treatments also resulted in significant increases of IFN-γ and IL-2 levels and reductions of IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the two groups (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shuganlipi decoction can improve the liver function and activity of Th1/Th2 cytokines to promote the clearance of liver cell HBV infection.</p>
