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
en En
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-149193
Biblioteca responsable:
WPRO
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.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Base de datos:
WPRIM
Asunto principal:
Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión
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Leucocitos Mononucleares
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Transactivadores
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Citocinas
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Interferón gamma
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Células Th2
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Células TH1
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Hepatitis B Crónica
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Antígenos de Superficie de la Hepatitis B
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Hígado
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Journal of Korean Medical Science
Año:
1999
Tipo del documento:
Article