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  • Title: [Predictor of effect of interferon-alpha on patients with hepatitis B: Th1/Th2 type cytokines].
    Author: Xing T, Zhang L, Lu Q.
    Journal: Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi; 2000 Apr; 80(4):268-70. PubMed ID: 11798769.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the expression of Th1/Th2 type cytokines and the effect of interferon-alpha therapy. METHODS: Th1/Th2 type cytokines were detected by ELISA and RT-PCR in 23 patients with chronic hepatitis B who were treated with interferon-alpha for 24 weeks. RESULTS: The levels of IFN-gamma in the supernatant of PBMC cultures of the patients with hepatitis B were slightly lower than those of the controls. However, the levels of IL-4 were higher in the patients than in the controls. Cytokines measurements during IFN-alpha treatment showed a trend toward decreased levels of IL-4 at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. However, the levels of IFN-gamma were slightly increased following IFN-alpha treatment. In patients with complete response to IFN-alpha, the levels of IFN-gamma were higher than that of pre-treatment at 24 weeks following IFN-alpha treatment, and the levels of IL-4 decreased obviously at 12 and 24 weeks. The mRNA levels of Th1/Th2 type cytokines were positively correlated with the levels of supernatant. CONCLUSION: (1) The expression of Th2 type cytokines is predominant in patients with chronic hepatitis B. (2) The effect of interferon-alpha therapy may play a role in modulating the balance of Th1/Th2 type cytokines. (3) Variations of the levels of Th1/Th2 type cytokines could be used as a predictor of clinical response during interferon-alpha treatment.
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