Determination of intracellular Th1/Th2 type cytokines in lymphocytes of chronic hepatitis B patients treated with interferon-alpha.

摘要: BACKGROUND/AIMS Host-related immune factors in childhood chronic hepatitis B and change the initial profile with interferon (IFN)-α treatment need to be clarified. METHODS Sixteen patients were included study, 10 million units of IFN-α 3 times per week for 6 months was initiated. Pre- post-treatment percentages interleukin (IL)-2 IFN-γ CD4+ T cells assessed determine intracellular helper cell 1 (Th1) type cytokine expression. Similarly, IL-2 detected verify cytotoxic (Tc1) expression CD8+ cells. Percentages Th2 Tc2 (IL-4 IL-13) determined cells, respectively. RESULTS Six (50%) these evaluated as having no response other half partial/complete response. All had higher respect healthy controls pre-treatment. Tc percentages, both Tc1 Tc2, significantly different between groups, being patient group. When values nonresponder group compared controls, IL-4 Th1 low. IL13 Th decreased after unresponsive The decrease we observed treatment, responsive group, may due deposition shifting from periphery liver tissue, reported before. Intracellular profiles responders normal not different. This is first study children comparing baseline controls.