Low serum levels of alpha-interferon, gamma-interferon, and interleukin-2 in alcoholic cirrhosis.
The existence of cellular immune deficit in alcoholic cirrhosis, together with the role of alpha- and gamma-interferon and interleukin-2 in the immune system, led us to compare serum levels of these immune system mediators in a group of 40 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis classified according to Child-Pugh's grade of severity of liver disease and 23 healthy volunteers. Serum levels of alpha-IFN, gamma-IFN, and IL-2 were significantly depressed in alcoholic cirrhotics, with no significant differences between the different degrees of hepatic damage. The results suggest a profound alteration in the immune system of alcoholic cirrhotics, which may contribute to the development of the disease and the accompanying immune system deficit.
Vicente-Gutiérrez
M M
MM
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain.
Diez Ruiz
A
A
Gil Extremera
B
B
Bermúdez García
J M
JM
Gutiérrez Gea
F
F
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000032:analysis*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007370:Interferon Type I; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007371:Interferon-gamma