| Abstract: | AIM: 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). MATERIAL AND 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. CONCLUSION: Determination of cytokine spectrum in AHC has a prognostic implication. |
