Association of TLR2 and TLR4 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to wart infections and their response to candida antigen immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Warts are prevalent human papilloma virus (HPV) infections which can cause physical and psychological problems. Candida antigen immunotherapy is a safe and promising treatment of warts. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 gene polymorphisms are implicated in susceptibility and progression of several diseases. AIM: To assess the role of TLR2Arg753GLN and TLR4Asp299Gly polymorphisms in susceptibility to HPV wart infections and their possible effect on response to Candida antigen immunotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients and 78 healthy subjects were enrolled in this case control study. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to detect TLR2Arg753GLN and TLR4Asp299Gly genes polymorphisms. Patients' lesions were injected with Candida antigens and the response was assessed. RESULTS: The mutant AA and GG genotypes of TLR2Arg753GLN and TLR4Asp299Gly were significantly detected in patients than controls (p < .001 and p = .01, respectively). Intralesional Candida antigen injections achieved complete and partial clearance in 62.8 and 20.5% of lesions, respectively. No association was found between the studied polymorphisms and response to Candida antigen injections. CONCLUSIONS: TLR2Arg753GLN and TLR4Asp299Gly polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to wart infections, but with no effect on their response to Candida immunotherapy.

Intralesional Acyclovir: A Potential Therapeutic Option for Cutaneous Warts.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of warts is challenging and the development of an antiviral drug that can eradicate the human papilloma virus (HPV) is difficult. The viral origin of warts suggests that acyclovir, an antiviral drug with a proven efficacy in DNA viruses, may be a potential therapeutic option. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional acyclovir in the treatment of cutaneous warts. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with cutaneous warts were allocated into 2 groups. Group A (19 patients) had intralesional acyclovir (70 mg/ml) injected into the warts, while group B (12 patients) received intralesional saline as control. The treatment was repeated at 2 week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of 5 sessions. RESULTS: Complete clearance of warts was observed in 52.6%, partial response in 36.8%, and no response in 10.5% of the patients in the acyclovir group. Partial response was reported in 16.7%, and no response in 83.3% of the patients in the control group. A high statistically significant difference was found between the treatment and control groups (P < .01). Adverse effects included pain during injection in 89.5%, blistering in 52.6% and erythema in5.3% of the patients. No recurrence was detected during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Intralesional acyclovir can be an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for cutaneous warts.

Predictors of the Therapeutic Response to Intralesional Bivalent HPV Vaccine in Wart Immunotherapy.

Variable intralesional immunotherapies have recently been proposed as a means of achieving a successful eradication of recurrent and recalcitrant human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cutaneous and anogenital warts. The bivalent HPV vaccine is one of the newly proposed immunotherapeutic agents. We investigated the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) as ex vivo immunologic predictors to estimate the response to the bivalent HPV vaccine as a potential immunotherapy for cutaneous and anogenital warts. Heparinized blood samples were withdrawn from forty patients with multiple recurrent recalcitrant cutaneous and anogenital warts and forty matched healthy control subjects. Whole blood cultures were prepared with and without bivalent HPV vaccine stimulation. Culture supernatants were harvested and stored for IL-4 and IFN-γ measurements using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A comparative analysis of IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in culture supernatants revealed a non-significant change between the patient and control groups. The bivalent HPV vaccine stimulated cultures exhibited a non-significant reduction in IL-4 levels within both groups. IFN-γ was markedly induced in both groups in response to bivalent HPV vaccine stimulation. The bivalent HPV vaccine can give a sensitive IFN-γ immune response ex vivo, superior to IL-4 and sufficient to predict both the successful eradication of HPV infection and the ultimate clearance of cutaneous and anogenital warts when the bivalent HPV vaccine immunotherapy is applied.

Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a single-center experience.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 6-month intramuscular vitamin D supplementation in improving the liver parameters in adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). BACKGROUND: The association between vitamin D level and NAFLD has not been determined. METHODS: A single-blinded non-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 80 NAFLD patients assigned to receive a monthly single intramuscular dose of 200,000 IU cholecalciferol/vitamin D3 (n= 40), or placebo (n= 40) for six months. Transient elastography for the measurement of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements (LSM), as well as fibrosis 4 score (FIB4) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) were performed. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D was significantly increased after six months of vitamin D treatment (16.31±10.23 Vs 39.37±11.99 ng/ml). In the vitamin D group, most vitamin D deficiency patients (70% deficiency, 10% insufficiency, and 20% sufficiency) had changed to be sufficient (7.5% deficiency, 5% insufficiency, and 87.5% sufficiency). On the other hand, the values of CAP (311.9±42.2 dB/m) and LSM (6.8±2 kPa) had significantly reduced after six months of supplementation (287.0 ±44.3dB/m and 6.1 ±1.1 kPa, respectively) with significantly higher mean CAP and LSM change from baseline in vitamin D group compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the ALT and AST levels were significantly improved in Vitamin D group compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that lower serum 25(OH)D level was the only significant predictor for NAFLD (OR=0.89, p=0.001) in this study. CONCLUSION: A monthly single intramuscular dose of 200,000 IU cholecalciferol is effective in improving the laboratory and fibroscan parameters of the liver disease in NAFLD patients, which confirm a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of NAFLD.

Effect of varicella zoster vaccine vs candida antigen injection in treatment of warts.

Treatment of warts is considered as a big challenge for patients as well as doctors. Immunotherapy represents a promising and successful method of warts treatment. A great attention has been paid for various types of immunotherapeutic agents. One of the immunotherapeutic approaches is intralesional immunotherapy that showed a successful result in treatment of warts. Complete resolution of warts was achieved in many of studied patients, while some of them showed partial response and only few patients showed no response. Our study was based on the previous observations and reports of regression of several types of warts after administration of candida antigen and other new immunotherapeutic antigens. Candida antigen group showed complete clearance in 16 patients (69.6%), partial response in seven patients (30.4%). In VZV vaccine group, complete clearance was observed in 15 patients (65.2%), partial response in eight patients (34.8%). These results showed that the therapeutic response in two groups had a close statistical result and more chances must be given to VZV vaccine specially after its promising and successful results. In conclusion, we presented a novel approach for the treatment of recalcitrant wart using intralesional immunotherapy with Candida antigen and VZV vaccine. VZV vaccine seems to be promising, safe and effective remedy for any type warts mainly plantar warts.

Evaluation of intralesional Candida antigen in diabetic patients with multiple warts.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of warts in diabetic patients with ablative modalities poses a significant risk owing to increased possibility of secondary infection, slow healing, and recurrence. Intralesional immunotherapy has gained popularity in the treatment of warts due to its proven efficacy and good tolerability compared with destructive methods. AIM: To evaluate the intralesional Candida antigen injection for the treatment of multiple warts in diabetic patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: Fifty diabetic patients with multiple genital/nongenital warts were divided into two groups. The first group (30 patients) received intralesional Candida antigen, and the second group (20 patients) had intralesional saline as control. The treatments were injected into the largest wart every 2 weeks until complete clearance of warts or for a maximum of five sessions. RESULTS: Complete clearance of warts was observed in 80% of the diabetic patients in the Candida antigen group compared with 15% in the control group (P < .001). Side effects to Candida antigen included pain during injection in all patients, flu-like symptoms, and localized reaction at the injection site in few patients. CONCLUSION: Intralesional Candida antigen injection can be a promising effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of warts in diabetic patients.

Complement component 3c and tumor necrosis factor-α systemic assessment after Candida antigen immunotherapy in cutaneous warts.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous warts are the commonest benign lesion produced by human papillomavirus. Lesions often regress spontaneously yet have a high rate of recurrence. They impair patients' quality of life and carry the potential risk of cancer. Nowadays, Candida antigen immunotherapy has become an encouraging therapeutic modality for warts. We tried to assess the role of the complement pathway and T helper 1 immune response in clinical response to Candida antigen immunotherapy via complement component 3c (C3c) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, respectively. METHODS: A total of 44 patients with cutaneous warts were enrolled in the study. Patients were injected with Candida antigen at 2-week interval until complete clearance of the lesion or for a maximum of 5 sessions. Blood samples were collected before initiation and after completion of immunotherapy. C3 and C4 were measured using an automated turbidimetric method. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), C3c, and TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. RESULTS: A total of 56.4%, 17.9%, and 25.7% of the patients showed complete, partial, and no response to immunotherapy, respectively. Lesions on the dorsum of the foot and sole showed significant clearance (p value = 0.037). All patients had no deficient C3, C4, and MBL serum levels. C3c and TNF-α serum levels were significantly higher in non-responder group (p value < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). C3c and TNF-α serum levels were strongly correlated in all the studied patients (r = 0.8, p value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Candida antigen immunotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality for cutaneous warts. C3c and TNF-α serum levels were higher in patients who failed to respond to immunotherapy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT04399577 , May 2020 "retrospectively registered".

Safety and Efficacy of 8 Weeks Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4 in Children Aged 4-10 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of shortened 8-week regimen of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) combination therapy in treatment-naïve children without cirrhosis aged 4-10 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. STUDY DESIGN: This observational single arm prospective study included 30 treatment-naïve children (20 males) with proved chronic HCV fulfilling inclusion criteria. Their body weights ranged from 17 to 26 kg. Four patients were excluded from the study. All the included children received a single oral dose of LED/SOF 45/200 mg for 8 weeks. Body weight, HCV-RNA, complete blood count, and liver function tests were monitored at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and sustained virologic response was evaluated after 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). The emergence of any side effects was also monitored. RESULTS: The most common risk factor (53.3%) was an parent or sibling with HCV infection. Twenty-nine patients (96.7%) were negative for HCV-RNA by week 2 of treatment and 1 patient became negative by week 4. The end of treatment response and SVR12 were 100%. Transaminases levels declined and returned to normal levels by week 2. Major side effects were fatigue in 90% (27/30) and headache in 76.7% (23/30). Side effects were minimal, tolerable, and did not interfere with daily activity or necessitate treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: A shortened 8-week regimen of LED/SOF (45/200 mg) is safe and effective with 100% SVR12 in treatment-naïve children with cirrhosis aged 4-10 years with chronic HCV infection genotype 4.

Intralesional versus intramuscular bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine in the treatment of recalcitrant common warts.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of different therapeutic modalities, treatment of recalcitrant common warts is still challenging. Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK), a recombinant bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of warts. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the beneficial effects and tolerability of intramuscular versus intralesional bivalent HPV vaccine in the treatment of recalcitrant common warts. METHODS: The study included 44 adult patients with multiple recalcitrant common warts; 22 patients received intramuscular injection of bivalent HPV vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months or until complete clearance of warts, and the other 22 patients received intralesional injection of 0.1 to 0.3 mL of bivalent HPV vaccine into the largest wart at 2-week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of 6 sessions. RESULTS: Complete clearance of warts was observed in 18 patients (81.8%) of the intralesional group and 14 patients (63.3%) of the intramuscular group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Adverse effects were transient and insignificant, and no recurrence was reported in either group. LIMITATIONS: Small study sample and different dosing schedules. CONCLUSIONS: Bivalent HPV vaccine, particularly by intralesional injection, seems to be a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of multiple recalcitrant common warts.

Combined bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine and Candida antigen versus Candida antigen alone in the treatment of recalcitrant warts.

BACKGROUND: The burden of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated diseases is consistently growing worldwide. Several combination therapies are being tested nowadays for the treatment of recalcitrant warts, with promising results. AIMS: To evaluate the potential therapeutic role of combined bivalent HPV vaccine (Cervarix) and Candida antigen versus candida antigen alone in the treatment of multiple recalcitrant warts. PATIENTS/METHODS: Forty patients with recalcitrant warts were enrolled into this study. They were divided into two groups (A and B), each including 20 patients. Patients in the group (A) received intralesional Candida antigen injection alone for five sessions at 2-week intervals. Patients in the group B received combined treatment of bivalent recombinant HPV vaccine and intralesional Candida antigen. Candida antigen was administered as in the group A, while Cervarix vaccine was given intramuscularly at 0, 1, and 6 months as scheduled. Follow-up was made monthly for 6 months to detect any possible recurrence. RESULTS: Eight patients (40%) in the group (A) showed complete clearance of warts after intralesional Candida antigen injection alone, while 14 patients (70%) in the group (B) showed complete regression of warts after the combined therapy. No significant side effects were reported in both groups, and no recurrence was detected. CONCLUSION: Bivalent human papillomavirus vaccine combined with Candida antigen is a promising, effective, and safe modality for the treatment of multiple recalcitrant warts.

Residual hepatitis C virus in peripheral blood mononuclear cell as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma after achieving a sustained virological response: a dogma or fiction.

BACKGROUND: Clinical worsening after achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) needs to be clarified and explained. Persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen interacts with the host proteins to interfere with signaling pathways and increases the susceptibility to hepatic carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors that increase the progression of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in a subgroup of HCV patients who achieved a SVR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine HCV patients with hepatic decompensation were selected 8.2 ± 1.8 months after achieving SVR24. HCV core antigen and HCV RNA were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Matched control (n = 100) and training (n = 200) groups were recruited. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients showed a progression of Child-Turcotte-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease scores, with positive RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (357.4 ± 42.1 IU/million cell) and positive hepatitis C virus core antigen (n = 73); four patients were excluded. Susceptibility to decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma after direct-acting antiviral drugs increased with age [odds ratio (OD) = 1.87], and was associated with male sex (OD = 1.65), diabetes (OD = 3.68), thrombocytopenia (OD = 2.44), pretreatment Alfa-fetoprotein (OD = 3.41), and occult HCV (OD = 4.1). CONCLUSION: Clinical deterioration after SVR could be explained by occult HCV mainly in older male patients with diabetes and thrombocytopenia.

Evaluation of serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin d in vitiligo patients

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired skin disease characterized by loss of functional melanocytes from the epidermis. Despitethe several factors studied, the pathogenesis of vitiligo remains unclear. Vitiligo could be associated with low vitamin D levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum 25(OH) D levels in vitiligo patients in comparison of normal controls. Methods: After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels were assayed, in all subjects included in this case control study (21 patients and 21 age and sex matched healthy individuals). Vitiligo disease activity index (VIDA), affected body surface area (BSA),site of lesion, age of patients and duration of vitiligo were evaluated in relation to vitamin D level. Results: A total of 42 participants were enrolled in our study, 21 patients with vitiligo and 21 who served as controls. The mean serum level of vitamin D were significantly decreased in the patients group as compared with the control group ( 17.3ng ̸ml ± 5.3 vs 25.8 ng/ml ±7.9, P = 0.006). There was non-significant correlation between vitamin D level with age, duration of vitiligo, and affected body surface area (P>0.05), but there was significant difference in 25(OH)D levels between different grades of VIDA. Conclusion: In this study, we found a significant 25(OH) D deficiency in patients with vitiligo, suggesting that vitamin D deficiency may plays a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo

Peripheral blood toll-like receptor 4 correlates response to candida immunotherapy of warts.

Human papilloma virus infection may be self-limiting; however, some cases may spread. There are no factors predicting the prognosis of such infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the significance of TLR4 expression in predicting the response of warts to candida immunotherapy. A total of 60 patients with different types of warts were included in the present study. A total volume of 2 ml venous blood was collected and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression of TLR4. Patients were subjected to intralesional injection of Candida antigen into the largest wart at 2-week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of six sessions. Of the total 58 patients available for analysis of study results, 44 patients (75.9%) showed complete resolution with better response in younger ages. The TLR4 expression in patients with complete and partial response was significantly higher than that in patients who had no response (p = .006). Among our patients, 48.3% showed no side effects, 44.8% showed local reactions, and 6.9% showed systemic side effects. Only four patients showed recurrence after 6 months. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, at cutoff of expression level >12 is accompanied by 100% specificity of TLR4 in predicting treatment response to candida immunotherapy. Candida immunotherapy is an effective warts treatment, especially in young patients. Higher PMBC TLR4 levels can predict response to candida immunotherapy.

Mycobacterium marinum infection in fish and man: epidemiology, pathophysiology and management; a review.

Mycobacterium marinum is an opportunistic pathogen inducing infection in fresh and marine water fish. This pathogen causes necrotizing granuloma like tuberculosis, morbidity and mortality in fish. The cell wall-associated lipid phthiocerol dimycocerosates, phenolic glycolipids and ESAT-6 secretion system 1 (ESX-1) are the conserved virulence determinant of the organism. Human infections with Mycobacterium marinum hypothetically are classified into four clinical categories (type I-type IV) and have been associated with the exposure of damaged skin to polluted water from fish pools or contacting objects contaminated with infected fish. Fish mycobacteriosis is clinically manifested and characterized in man by purple painless nodules, liable to develop into superficial crusting ulceration with scar formation. Early laboratory diagnosis of M. marinum including histopathology, culture and PCR is essential and critical as the clinical response to antibiotics requires months to be attained. The pathogenicity and virulence determinants of M. marinum need to be thoroughly and comprehensively investigated and understood. In spite of accumulating information on this pathogen, the different relevant data should be compared, connected and globally compiled. This article is reviewing the epidemiology, virulence factors, diagnosis and disease management in fish while casting light on the potential associated public health hazards.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, polysaccharide nucleic acid in the treatment of cutaneous and oral lichen planus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, polysaccharide nucleic acid (BCG-PSN) therapy in the treatment of oral and cutaneous LP. Twenty-four LP patients were included in this study and classified randomly into; Oral LP group (OLP), 11 patients and Cutaneous LP group (CLP), 13 patients. All patients received intradermal injections of BCG-PSN, twice weekly for three weeks. Patients with complete response were followed up for 3 months. The assessment in OLP was based on the reduction in the treated area, (Reticulation/Erythema/Ulceration) REU scoring system and numerical rating scale (NRS). CLP evaluated by the response to treatment as (complete, partial and no response) and visual analogue scale (VAS). There were highly significant differences in the diminution of lesion areas (p < .006), NRS scores (p < .001), REU score (p < .011), and VAS (p < .001) after treatment. The majority of patients achieved complete response after 3-week management. The BCG-PNS is safe and effective in the treatment of oral and cutaneous LP.

Significance of interferon gamma in the prediction of successful therapy of common warts by intralesional injection of Candida antigen.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of common warts remains a continuing challenge for both patients and physicians. Recently, intralesional immunotherapy by different antigens has proved efficacious in the treatment of warts, however, no definite predictive factors for successful therapy have been established. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of Candida antigen in the treatment of common warts and the significance of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the prediction of successful therapy. METHODS: The study included 54 patients with multiple common warts. A blood sample was collected from patients before therapy, cultured, and treated with Candida antigen for evaluation of IFN-γ. Candida antigen was directly injected into the largest wart at 2-week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of five treatments. Follow-up was made for 6 months to detect any recurrence. RESULTS: Complete clearance of the lesions was seen in 61.1% of the studied patients. IFN-γ was statistically higher in responded cases as compared to nonresponders. Adverse effects were insignificant, and no recurrence of warts was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Candida antigen is a promising, effective, and safe immunotherapeutic modality for common warts, and IFN-γ may serve as a good predictor of its therapeutic response.

The relationship between expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in chronic hepatitis C patients and different stages of liver fibrosis.

AIM: The objective of this work is to find out whether there is a relation between the expression of TLR4 and fibrosis progression in chronic HCV patients. BACKGROUND: Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor whose activation results in the production of several pro-inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV were included. They were divided into group A: 40 patients (F1-F4) and group B (control group) which included ten patients (F0) based on fibroscan value. All patients were exposed to clinical and laboratory evaluations preliminary to antiviral therapy, assessment of TLR4 mRNA by Real Time- PCR. RESULTS: Twenty-eight males and 22 females with a mean age 28.9±6.1 years. The mean TLR4 expression is 11.2±7.4 folds, TLR4 expression in F0 group is 2.8±1.9, in F1 group 4.8±1.5, F2 group 10.2±2.5, F3 group 16.8±1.5 and in F4 21.3±3.6 folds (p<0.001). TLR4 showed a positive correlation with age, fibrosis stage, HCV RNA, serum transaminases, total bilirubin and prothrombin time, a negative correlation with platelet count and serum albumin. Fibrosis progression was independently associated with TLR4 expression (ß=0. 648, P<0.0001), RNA (ß= 0.160, P =0.001) and platelet count (ß= -0.248, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The expression of TLR4 is highly correlated with the fibrosis progression; TLR4 may be a potential target for drugs to limit the progression of fibrosis.

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells in children with chronic hepatitis C: correlation with interferon and ribavirin therapy.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide. Defective dendritic cell (DC) activation of T cells may underlie poor T-cell responsiveness in HCV infection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the DCs' functions in chronically infected HCV patients and its correlation with the response to therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 30 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and 30 healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls. The first group received combined pegylated interferon-α-2b (Peg-IFN-α2b)/ribavirin therapy for 48 weeks. A quantitative HCV-RNA PCR was performed for all patients before treatment and at 12, 24, 48, and 24 weeks after treatment. To clarify the functions of DCs, we induced maturation of peripheral DCs from blood samples of CHC patients and healthy controls using Resiquimod (R848). The functions of DCs were assessed by measurement of the levels of IFN-γ and interleukin-10 (IL-10). RESULTS: Sixteen (53.3%) of the patients were treatment responders and the other 14 (46.4%) were nonresponders. The current study showed a statistically significant difference between CHC patients and the control group in IFN-γ production, which was higher in the control group (1.53±0.38 IU/ml) than in the CHC patients (1.19±0.21 IU/ml); in contrast, IL-10 was higher in CHC (249.4±27.6 pg/ml) than the control group (217.0±29.9 pg/ml). However, there was no significant difference between treatment responders and nonresponders in both IFN-γ and IL-10 levels. CONCLUSION: HCV infection is associated with impaired production of IFN-γ, which may be an indication of a defect in DC function.