The proportion of different interleukin‐17‐producing T‐cell subsets is associated with liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

Studies have suggested the pivotal role of T helper type 1 (Th1) -related cytokines on the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Nevertheless, the role of different interleukin-17 (IL-17) -secreting T cells on chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is less clear. Here, the in vivo IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels were positively correlated with both alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and hepatic lesions. When compared with the control group, CHC patients showed a lower proportion of IL-17-secreting (CD4 and CD8 ) T cells capable of simultaneously producing IL-21. Moreover, the percentage of IL-10-secreting Th17 cells was also lower in CHC patients. Notably, advanced liver lesions were observed among those patients with lower percentage levels of IL-17-producing T cells positive for IL-21, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-10. In contrast, the severity of hepatic damage was associated with peripheral single IL-17 T cells. The percentage of IL-17 IL-21 IFN-γ (CD4 and CD8 ) T-cell phenotypes was positively associated with plasma CD14 levels. Finally, elevated levels of circulating CD14 were detected among CHC patients with extensive liver damage. In summary, although preliminary, our results suggest that a balance between different IL-17-producing T cells, associated with peripheral levels of CD14, may be a progress marker for liver disease in chronically HCV-infected patients.

Cytokine profile during occult hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hepatitis C patients

“…In vivo levels of IL-6 have been associated with plasma ALT levels and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with HCC in HCV monoinfected patients [ 71 ] and a previous study demonstrated a low detection rate of IL-6 in patients infected with OBI when compared to healthy individuals and patients who resolved HBV infection [ 62 ]. We found high levels of IL-6 in the OBI/HCV group in our study and significant difference between OBI/HCV compared to monoinfected HBV group and healthy controls, this increase in IL-6 expression could be attributed to HCV co-infection, since several studies have already found that this cytokine is associated with HCV chronic infection [ 63 , 72 , 73 ].…”

Cytokine Profile During Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

“…In vivo levels of IL-6 have been associated with plasma ALT levels and the degree of liver brosis in patients with HCC in HCV monoinfected patients [71] and a previous study demonstrated a low detection rate of IL-6 in patients infected with OBI when compared to healthy individuals and patients who resolved HBV infection [62]. We found high levels of IL-6 in the OBI/HCV group in our study and signi cant difference between OBI/HCV compared to monoinfected HBV group and healthy controls, this increase in IL-6 expression could be attributed to HCV co-infection, since several studies have already found that this cytokine is associated with HCV chronic infection [63,72,73].…”

Cytokine Profile During Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection In Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

“…In vivo levels of IL-6 have been associated with plasma ALT levels and the degree of liver brosis in patients with HCC in HCV monoinfected patients [51]. We found high levels of IL-6 in the occult group and it is well known that IL-6 can play two important roles in the pathogenesis of hepatitis B, can protect the liver from virus infections by stimulating immune responses against infected hepatocytes and can inhibit the HBV entry in hepatocytes up to 90% when cells are treated with IL-6 resulting in a marked reduction in cccDNA and HBsAg secretion [52].…”