Role of tumor necrosis factor-[alpha], interleukin-1[beta], interleukin-6 in liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C

• Published in: Gülhane tıp dergisi 2021-09, Vol.63 (3)
• Main Authors: Senol, Arzu, Alayunt, Naci Omer, Solmaz, Ozgen Arslan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Development and progression; Diseases; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; Enzymes; Health aspects; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Interleukins; Liver; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Necrosis; Tumor necrosis factor
• ISSN: 1302-0471
• DOI: 10.4274/gulhane.galenos.2021.1338

Aims: Cytokines play important roles in the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infections. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1[beta], IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[alpha] cytokines in patients with CHB and CHC, and the relationship of these cytokines with chronic inflammation, disease progression and fibrosis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with CHB and CHC and control subjects from August 2016 to August 2018. Liver biopsy samples were obtained as a part of the routine care. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-1[beta], and TNF-[alpha] were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: The final sample included 90 patients with CHB (age, mean[+ or -]SD: 42.6[+ or -]11.8) 40 patients with CHC (age, mean[+ or -]SD: 45.1[+ or -]13.6) and 50 controls (age, mean[+ or -]SD: 39[+ or -]15.0). IL- 1[beta], TNF-[alpha] and IL-6 serum levels were statistically significantly higher in patients with CHB and CHC than in the control group [IL-1[beta] (ng/mL): 133.7[+ or -]37.0, 125.92[+ or -]12.7, 85.7[+ or -]9.8; TNF-[alpha] (ng/mL): 307.9[+ or -]68.9, 286.0[+ or -]43.2, 72.0[+ or -]14.01; IL-6 (ng/mL): 50.6[+ or -]10.1, 55.07[+ or -]9.79, 8.85[+ or -]7.07, respectively, p=0.001]. TNF-[alpha] level was statistically significantly higher in patients with significant fibrosis (320.5[+ or -]36.9) than those with mild fibrosis (257.3[+ or -]21.6) (p=0.04). Alpha-fetoprotein level was statistically significantly higher in CHC patients than CHB and control groups. Conclusions: This study showed increased levels of IL-1[beta], IL-6 and TNF-[alpha] in CHB and CHC patients. TNF-[alpha] level further increased in patients with documented liver fibrosis. Keywords: Chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, IL-1[beta], IL-6, TNF-[alpha]