[Cytokine regulation of immune response in patients with acute HCV-infection].
OBJECTIVE
To study the cytokine spectrum (IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha, interferon-alpha, interferon gamma) in patients with acute hepatitis C (AHC).


METHODS
Peripheral blood from 70 AHC patients was studied for cytokines using enzyme immunoassay (kits made by Protein contur, St-Petersburg). RESULTS. A primary examination in all the patients who finally recovered detected high levels of IL-2, IL-6, interferon-gamma, normal levels of IL-4. This evidenced for marked activity of Th1-lymphocytes, depressed synthesis of Th2-mediators stimulating immune response and elimination of the virus. AHC patients who later developed chronic disease had less frequent rise of proinflammatory mediators, but more frequent high IL-4 levels. Such features of immune response reflected higher activity of Th2-lymphocytes inhibiting Th1-effector mechanisms. This promoted active virus replication and formation of chronic hepatitis C.


CONCLUSIONS
Determination of cytokine spectrum in AHC has a prognostic implication.
Sobchak
D M
DM
Korochkina
O V
OV
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016207:Cytokines