OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Shuganlipi decoction on Th1/Th2 cytokines, liver function and HBV replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODSEighty-six confirmed CHB cases were randomly divided into control group (n=42) and experimental group (n=44) for treatment with routine western medication and additional treatment with Shuganlipi decoction, respectively. The production of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and liver function, HBV DNA, and HBeAg were detected in all the patients.

RESULTSThe total response rate to the treatment was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (78.13% vs 57.14%, P<0.01). ALT, AST, TBIL and ALB were all improved obviously in the two groups after the treatments (P<0.01). In terms of ALT and ALB, the experimental group showed more obvious improvement than the control group(P<0.05). The treatments also resulted in significant increases of IFN-γ and IL-2 levels and reductions of IL-6 and IL-10 levels in the two groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONShuganlipi decoction can improve the liver function and activity of Th1/Th2 cytokines to promote the clearance of liver cell HBV infection.