BACKGROUNDSeveral kinds of intercellular adhesion molecules closely relate to hepatitis B. The complex of CD(2) and CD58 plays an important role in enhancing the adhesion of T lymphocytes to target cells, hyperplasia and activation of T lymphocytes. In this study, we explored the relationship between the expression of CD58 in liver tissue and chronic hepatitis B infection.

METHODSWe determined the expression of the CD58 molecule on the surface of hepatocytes by using immunohistochemistry and the levels of serum HBV DNA from patients with HBV infection and from normal controls. The biochemical parameters of hepatic function were analyzed as well.

RESULTSCD58 expression in hepatocytes significantly increased with the severity progression of chronic HBV infection. The IOD levels (log10) of CD58 in the control, mild, moderate, and severe chronic HBV infection groups were 0, (7.20+/-4.64) x 10(3), (25.63+/-7.41) x 10(3) and (37.47+/-11.17) x 10(3) respectively (P<0.05 compared with the control group, respectively).

CONCLUSIONCD58 probably increases cell mediated immunity to eliminate hepatitis B virus and leads to damage of hepatocytes.