Cytokine mRNA expression in hepatitis C virus infection: TH1 predominance in patients with chronic hepatitis C and TH1-TH2 cytokine profile in subjects with self-limited disease.
Τίτλος | Cytokine mRNA expression in hepatitis C virus infection: TH1 predominance in patients with chronic hepatitis C and TH1-TH2 cytokine profile in subjects with self-limited disease. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2008 |
Authors | Gigi, E., Raptopoulou-Gigi M., Kalogeridis A., Masiou S., Orphanou E., Vrettou E., Lalla T. H., Sinakos E., & Tsapas V. |
Journal | J Viral Hepat |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 145-54 |
Date Published | 2008 Feb |
ISSN | 1352-0504 |
Λέξεις κλειδιά | Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Cytokines, Female, Hepacivirus, Hepatitis C, Chronic, Humans, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-10, Leukocytes, Mononuclear, Lymphocyte Activation, Male, Middle Aged, RNA, Messenger, Th1 Cells, Th2 Cells |
Abstract | Many determinants of the immune response have been implied in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. TH1 and TH2 cytokines play a prominent role in viral infections and a dysregulation of these cytokines could account for viral persistence and evolution of chronic disease. To explore a possible TH1 and TH2 cytokine dysregulation resulting in the inability to terminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we studied TH1 [interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2] and TH2 (IL-4, IL-10) mRNA expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in response to NS3 HCV antigen stimulation, in 31 untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C and 29 subjects with self-limited disease. After a 48 h culture of PBMC, total RNA isolation was performed and complementary DNA was prepared by reverse transcription. mRNA levels were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction using a standard curve formed after cloning each cytokine gene and a reference gene using recombinant DNA technology in a specific plasmid vector. In the patients group, mRNA expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2 and IL-4 but not IL-10 was detected, IFN-gamma being the predominant cytokine expressed. All four cytokines were expressed in subjects with self limited disease, however levels of IFN-gamma were lower and a significant higher expression of IL-10 compared to patients was found. There was a significant correlation between IFN-gamma mRNA expression levels and stage of fibrosis. Our findings show that in chronic hepatitis C, TH1 cytokines predominate and correlate to liver immunopathology. Furthermore, subjects with self-limited disease, maintain the ability to respond to HCV antigens for a long time after disease resolution. |
DOI | 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2007.00908.x |
Alternate Journal | J Viral Hepat |
PubMed ID | 18184198 |